Freshman

/ˈfrɛʃmən/ noun

Definition

first-year student in high school or college

Etymology

from 'fresh' + 'man'

Kelly Says

Freshmen are fresh-men - new and green like fresh lettuce!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

The term 'freshman' assumes masculine default in institutional language. 'Freshmen' traditionally referred to male students; women were historically excluded from higher education or marked separately as 'freshwoman/freshwomen.' Modern usage still carries this gendered etymology.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'first-year student' or 'first-year' as gender-neutral alternatives that convey the same information without gendered assumptions.

Inclusive Alternatives

["first-year student","first-year","new student"]

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