In a move that has left linguists mildly optimistic and gynecologists cautiously hopeful, the leading Dutch dictionary Dikke van Dale announced last month that it will include a new term for the labia, 'vulvalippen', in its upcoming online edition. The traditional term, 'schaamlippen' - which translates to 'shame lips' or 'pubic lips' - will remain, because nothing says progress like keeping the old shame-based word right next to the new neutral one.
The change comes after years of campaigning by European activists who argue that language around women's bodies is long overdue for a rewrite. 'Language shapes how we see ourselves,' says Shari Klein, co-founder of the Schaamteloos campaign, which specifically targets words that use 'schaam' or 'shame'. 'It's crucial people have a more neutral, anatomically correct word - not a word that links to shame, whether consciously or sub-consciously.'
Klein's campaign isn't new, but the dictionary's decision may signal that society is 'finally ready for change,' according to campaigners. Esther Van der Valk, part of the prominent Dutch feminist group Dolle Mina, says the shift is also about sex positivity and reducing body shaming. The next step? Convincing doctors and officials to actually use 'vulvalippen' in leaflets and consultations - because nothing says medical professionalism like a term that doesn't make patients cringe.
Ton den Boon, editor of the dictionary, justifies the addition by pointing out that 'vulvalippen' is becoming more established in the language, appearing in media, biology textbooks, medical leaflets, and even veterinary medicine. So yes, your dog's anatomy is now more progressively described than your own.
But the Dutch language has a long way to go. Other terms that apply to both men and women carry similar shame-based connotations: 'schaam haar' (pubic or shame hair), 'schaam been' (pubic or shame bone), and even 'schaam lice' for pubic lice. Critics argue that changing a word won't necessarily change people's lives - a fair point, but also the kind of thing people say right before they resist any change whatsoever.
The Dutch campaign mirrors efforts in Germany, where in 2018 journalists Gunda Windmüller and Mithu Sanyal started a petition to change 'Shamlippen' to 'Vulvalippen'. Windmüller was compelled to act after a gynecologist told her about the shame some women carry when discussing their bodies and having medical examinations. When writing her article, she realized she couldn't even mention anatomy without including the word shame. 'Vulvalippen' hasn't yet been adopted by a German dictionary, but Windmüller has spotted it in conversations, school textbooks, and women's magazines. Her hope is that the Dutch move will ignite support closer to home.
Sweden offers another precedent: a new word for 'hymen' was added to the academic dictionary after a 2009 campaign. The association for sexuality education (RFSU) felt the traditional term 'mödomshinna' - translating to maidenhood skin or virginity membrane - was anatomically inaccurate and did nothing to dispel myths around hymens and virginity. The new term 'slidkrans' translates as vaginal corona, reflecting the fact that the hymen is often folds of tissue in a ring, rather than a seal that breaks once. 'With a new word we can challenge the myths that seek to control women's sexuality and freedom,' says Sonja Ghaderi of the RFSU. She notes that 'slidkrans' is used particularly by healthcare professionals and in youth clinics, but misinformation still exists, emphasizing the 'need to change social constructs'.
In the UK, feminist podcast host Nicola Denson-Elliott started a petition to replace 'hysterectomy' (surgical removal of the womb) with 'uterectomy'. She argues that 'hysterectomy' has linguistic links with hysteria - once seen as a disease of emotional excess in women - and wants a more 'anatomically correct term' not one 'associated with emotion'. The petition describes the current term as 'medical misogyny', adding: 'Women deserve terminology that respects them.'
But linguistics researcher Dr Beth Malory cautions that any changes need to be researched first. 'Will people understand uterectomy? Is simply saying removal of the womb better?' New words cannot be ambiguous, she says, and it's important to look at the whole system so there is no confusion.
Malory also studies language around pregnancy and loss. One phrase highlighted in her research is 'incompetent cervix', used to describe the shortening of the cervix that can increase risks of pregnancy loss and early birth. Women told her it made them feel blamed for the medical issue. 'Why do we need judgmental words like failure or incompetence?' says obstetrician Dr Brooke Vandermolen. Even though they appear in medical textbooks, she says she's moved away from certain terms, including 'failure to progress' - which describes labour not moving forward as expected. 'Language is incredibly important and the words we choose can show recognition and make people feel validated and seen.'
In 2022, the Royal College of Midwives produced guidance offering alternative phrases. But Vandermolen says some traditional terms are still being used and still cause distress. 'I hope this change in the Netherlands sparks more conversations here about how we speak about women's bodies. What we say can have a lasting impact.'
As the Dutch say, better late than never - even if the dictionary is still keeping 'shame lips' around for old times' sake.