Mademoiselle

/ˌmædəmwɑːˈzɛl/ noun

Definition

A French title used to address an unmarried woman or girl, similar to 'Miss' in English.

Etymology

From Old French 'ma' (my) + 'demoiselle' (young lady), which comes from Latin 'domicella' (young lady of a household). It became the standard French courtesy title for unmarried women by the 16th century.

Kelly Says

In 2012, France officially stopped using 'Mademoiselle' in official documents as part of a feminist push—now all women use 'Madame' regardless of marital status, just like 'Ms.' in English!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

French title denoting unmarried women; carries implicit expectations of youth, availability, and sexual status that male equivalents (monsieur) do not. France has discouraged official use since 2012 to reduce gendered classification.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'Ms.' or name/title preference; avoid titles that encode marital or sexual status.

Inclusive Alternatives

["Ms.","name preference","Madame"]

Related Words

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