Everymen

/ˌɛvəriˈmɛn/ noun

Definition

Common or ordinary men as a collective; plural of 'everyman', referring to men who represent the average person.

Etymology

Plural of 'everyman', from 'every' and 'man'. Everyman gained literary prominence from the medieval morality play 'Everyman' (c. 1495), which personified the universal human condition.

Kelly Says

The medieval play 'Everyman' was so influential that the term became standard for representing 'the common person'—today 'everyman' stories are everywhere, from Spider-Man to The Office!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Generic 'men' as universal human collective is deeply embedded in English; historically erased women by using male-marked language as unmarked default.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'everyone' or 'everybody' instead; avoid male-marked generics.

Inclusive Alternatives

["everyone","everybody","all people"]

Related Words

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