Deskmen

/ˈdɛskmɛn/ noun

Definition

Plural of 'deskman'; multiple men who work at desks.

Etymology

Regular English plural formation of 'deskman' using the '-men' suffix (historically distinct from '-mans').

Kelly Says

The fact that 'deskman' pluralizes to 'deskmen' instead of 'deskmans' shows how English inherited irregular plurals from Old English—we do the same with 'policeman/policemen' and 'fireman/firemen,' vestiges of older grammatical patterns.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural form of 'deskman,' carrying the same gendered assumption that desk-based administrative or editorial authority defaulted to men.

Inclusive Usage

Replace with plural-neutral terms like 'desk staff,' 'desk coordinators,' or 'desk officers.'

Inclusive Alternatives

["desk staff","desk coordinators","desk officers"]

Related Words

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