Bodybuilders

/ˈbɑdiˌbɪldərz/ noun

Definition

Plural of bodybuilder; multiple people who develop muscles through systematic weight training.

Etymology

Standard plural of 'bodybuilder' formed by adding the suffix '-s.' This became a common plural in the latter 20th century as bodybuilding evolved from a niche hobby into a global competitive sport with thousands of practitioners.

Kelly Says

The popularity of the word 'bodybuilders' literally tracks the rise of the sport itself—you wouldn't see this plural much before 1970, but now there are millions of bodybuilders worldwide, from competitive professionals to casual gym enthusiasts.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Bodybuilding culture from the 1970s onward was male-dominated in professional spaces and media representation. Female bodybuilders faced different standards, scrutiny, and marginalization despite equal athletic achievement.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'bodybuilders' as neutral plural; avoid assumptions that competitive bodybuilding is male-default.

Inclusive Alternatives

["strength athletes","competitive athletes"]

Empowerment Note

Women like Rachel McLish (Ms. Olympia pioneer, 1980) and Lenda Murray established elite bodybuilding legitimacy despite being chronically underfunded and undermediated compared to male counterparts.

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