Comediennes

/ˌkɑːmədiˈɛnz/ noun

Definition

Plural of comedienne; female comedians or comic actresses.

Etymology

The plural form of 'comedienne,' formed by adding the standard English plural '-s' to the French-derived feminine noun. It maintains the French gendered distinction in plural form.

Kelly Says

The fact that we had a separate gendered word for female comedians (comedienne) versus generic comedians shows how language encoded professional discrimination—plural comediennes were often relegated to specific 'comedy roles for women'!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural of comedienne; same gendered suffix issue. The automatic pluralization of a gendered form perpetuates the marking of women as linguistic outliers.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'comedians' for all genders. Avoid plural gendering.

Inclusive Alternatives

["comedians","comic performers"]

Empowerment Note

Women comedians fought throughout 20th century against being linguistically segregated. Using 'comedians' universally honors their claim to the full professional title.

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