January 2, 2018
From News Services-
Merriam-Webster has announced that
it will eliminate all references to “masculine” and “feminine” forms of grammar
from its iconic dictionaries effective with the 2019 editions.
A
company spokesperson stated that only neutral words, grammatical forms,
examples, and references will be used in its print and online editions going
forward, “in the interest of inclusivity and non-marginalization.” The
spokesperson said that the Basic Manual of Style at the back of the tomes will
also be updated, citing as an example the section on properly addressing
religious leaders: “Whereas, for instance, past editions stated the correct way
to address the Pope was as ‘His Holiness Pope_________,’ the new editions will
amend that to list three acceptable
options. ‘Holy Pope_______,’ ‘Ze Pope________,’ or ‘They Pope________.’”
The spokesperson, who wished to remain
anonymous, also said the dictionary will shed its typical blue or red bindings
and covers in favor of a “festive parade of pastels, gay and pleasing to the
eye, that will soften up the very words they enwrap.”
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