Gender-sensitive Communication
Phrases
Phrases to look out for – try swapping the order of these phrases sometimes
| King and Queen | Lord and Lady |
| Mother and father | Boys and girls |
| Men and women | Sir/Madam |
| Brother and sister | Husband and wife |
| Ladies and gentlemen | Boyfriend and girlfriend |
Turns of phrase which exclude women
| Gender-discriminatory | Better |
|---|---|
| Master of ceremonies | Host |
| A man’s home is his castle | One’s home is one’s castle, a person’s home is their castle, a person’s home is his or her castle |
| Best man for the job | Best candidate for the job, best person for the job, best woman or man for the job |
| Joe public | An average citizen |
| An Englishman, a Frenchman, and Irishman | An English/ French/ Irish person |
| Gentlemen’s agreement | Informal arrangement |
| Man-hour | Staff hour |
| Workmanship | Handiwork or expertise |
| Statesman | Politician, diplomat |
| Mastermind | Create/creator |
| Countryman | Compatriot |
| Masterplan | Grand plan |
| Brotherhood | Kinship, community |