Citoyens

/ˌsɪtwaˈjɛn/ noun

Definition

Plural form of citoyen; male citizens or citizens collectively, particularly in French-speaking contexts emphasizing civic equality.

Etymology

French plural of 'citoyen' (citizen), from Latin 'civitas.' The term became charged with revolutionary meaning, representing free people with equal political standing.

Kelly Says

Revolutionary France used 'citoyens' and 'citoyennes' to replace aristocratic titles—calling everyone 'citizen' was a linguistic revolution that challenged centuries of class hierarchy.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural of citoyen (masculine or mixed group). Grammatically masculine plural subsumes women, a pattern where unmarked form claims universal reference while excluding women from actual political power.

Inclusive Usage

In French, use citoyen.nes or équivalent inclusive form. In English, 'citizens' is preferable.

Inclusive Alternatives

["citizens","citoyen.nes"]

Empowerment Note

Revolutionary citizenship was formally gender-neutral but practically male. Women's exclusion from voting and office-holding was deliberate, not incidental to the unmarked masculine plural.

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