Flatmen

/ˈflætˌmɛn/ noun

Definition

Plural of flatman; multiple people who live in or share a flat (apartment).

Etymology

Irregular plural of 'flatman' using '-men' instead of '-s', following the pattern of 'man' to 'men' in English.

Kelly Says

English speakers unconsciously remember which nouns take '-men' instead of '-s' as a plural (man, woman, gentleman, flatman) because these words echo Old English gender and person markers that most other nouns lost!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural masculine form embedding the same male-default assumption as 'flatman.' Historically erased women living in flats by using exclusively masculine plural.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'flat residents' or 'flat dwellers' for inclusive plural reference.

Inclusive Alternatives

["flat residents","flat dwellers","apartment dwellers"]

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.