Chauffeuses

/ʃoʊfəzɪz/ noun

Definition

Plural of chauffeuse; multiple female chauffeurs or women employed as professional drivers.

Etymology

Plural form of 'chauffeuse,' adding the French plural '-es' ending. This combines the feminine form with plural marking.

Kelly Says

This word is a linguistic fossil from when people used different forms for male and female workers—today it reads as charmingly old-fashioned since English treats 'chauffeurs' as gender-neutral regardless of the driver's gender.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural of chauffeuse; maintains the gendered suffix marking. Reinforces the practice of explicitly categorizing female professional workers, a convention that persists unevenly across occupations.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'chauffeurs' regardless of driver gender. Avoid the gendered plural form.

Inclusive Alternatives

["chauffeurs (gender-neutral)"]

Empowerment Note

Women drivers have historically been entrepreneurs and professionals; gendered terminology isolated rather than celebrated their contributions.

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