Cochairman

/koʊˈtʃɛrmən/ noun

Definition

A man who jointly chairs or leads something with another person; one of two male co-leaders.

Etymology

From 'co-' (together) plus 'chairman' (a man who presides). This term emerged when shared leadership positions became more formal and needed specific titles.

Kelly Says

Terms like 'cochairman' and 'chairwoman' show how English is wrestling with gender—some places now use 'cochair' or 'cochairperson' to avoid assuming the leader's gender!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

'-man' suffix became default for professional titles in English by mid-20th century, even when multiple genders held roles. Women cochairs were linguistically erased into 'cochairman.'

Inclusive Usage

Use 'cochair' or 'co-chair' instead; it is inclusive and shorter.

Inclusive Alternatives

["cochair","co-chair","co-leader"]

Empowerment Note

Early women in co-leadership roles (academia, nonprofits, 1960s-70s) had their titles defaulted to masculine forms, obscuring their presence in historical records.

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