Language Used to Describe

Sometimes the difference is simple – like pretty, handsome, tough, sweet, lanky.

The sting comes when people are criticized about features perceived to be important to their gender. There are numerous terms for men who are perceived as weak or cowardly – the biggest perceived gender lapses. And women who are seen as not demure or not chaste endure a litany of slurs.

When any of these get attached to a person, it is hard to shake. The judgment precedes them – and can marginalize them from their gender group. This is society having its way.