Brokeress

/ˈbroʊkərɪs/ noun

Definition

A female broker; a woman who arranges business transactions or buys and sells stocks, bonds, or other financial instruments for clients.

Etymology

From 'broker' + '-ess' suffix forming feminine nouns. This gendered form became less common in modern English as occupational terms became gender-neutral.

Kelly Says

The '-ess' suffix marking female versions of jobs (like 'brokeress' or 'waitress') has mostly disappeared from professional English, reflecting changing attitudes about gender and work.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Feminine suffix -ess applied to broker, marking gender distinction in financial intermediation. Historical exclusion of women from broking compounds the need to unsex occupational language.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'broker' for all practitioners regardless of gender. The base term covers the function without unnecessary gender marking.

Inclusive Alternatives

["broker"]

Empowerment Note

Women were systematically barred from stock exchanges and brokering houses until late 20th century; using gender-neutral occupational terms acknowledges their eventual entry as equals.

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