Editresses

/ˈɛdɪtrɪsɪz/ noun

Definition

Plural of editress; multiple female editors.

Etymology

Standard plural of 'editress' formed by adding '-es.' This reflects older conventions of gendered occupational terms.

Kelly Says

In old books and magazines from the 1800s-1900s, you'll see 'editress' used, but the term disappeared because English gradually shifted to using 'editor' regardless of whether the person is a man or woman.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural of archaic feminized form 'editress.' The '-ess' suffix perpetuated gender marking in professional contexts, reinforcing the notion that women in leadership needed linguistic differentiation from the 'default' masculine editor.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'editors' for all people regardless of gender. Plural gender-marked forms obscure professional identity under gender categorization.

Inclusive Alternatives

["editors"]

Empowerment Note

Collective editorial work by women—from Susan B. Anthony's editing of The Revolution to modern editorial collectives led by women—deserves recognition without gender-marked terminology that diminishes professional standing.

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