Englishmen

/ˈɪŋɡlɪʃmən/ noun

Definition

Plural of Englishman; men or male people from England.

Etymology

From Old English 'Angle' (one of the Germanic tribes) plus 'man.' The term 'English' itself comes from the Angles, one of three tribes that invaded Britain around 450 CE.

Kelly Says

When we say 'Englishmen,' we're literally saying 'men of the Angles'—one of three Germanic tribes whose names got combined into 'English,' though only the Angles got the naming credit.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

The term privileges masculine gender in a collective category, erasing English women from the identity. 'Englishmen' assumes maleness as default for nationality.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'English people,' 'the English,' or 'English citizens' for gender-neutral collective reference.

Inclusive Alternatives

["English people","the English","English citizens"]

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