Chares

/ˈtʃɛrz/ noun

Definition

Plural of chare; multiple chores, tasks, or jobs to be done.

Etymology

Plural form of 'chare,' from Old English 'cerran.' The word underwent semantic evolution from physical turning motions to routine household tasks, reflecting how Anglo-Saxon vocabulary adapted to describe daily work.

Kelly Says

Chores and chares are essentially the same word—'chare' is the older form that survives in British English, while 'chore' became standard in American English. It's a perfect example of how the same root word splits into regional variants.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural of chare; collective gendering carries forward the feminized unpaid labor associations.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'tasks', 'chores', or 'work' as neutral plurals. Avoid implying gender via domestic labor language.

Inclusive Alternatives

["tasks","chores","work"]

Empowerment Note

The invisibility of women's multiple simultaneous chares—childcare, cooking, cleaning, emotional labor—has obscured the actual labor burden borne by women historically and today.

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