Dutch Dictionary Adds Neutral Term for Labia to Combat Stigma

Key points

• Dikke van Dale, a major Dutch dictionary, will add 'vulvalippen' to its online edition alongside the existing term 'schaamlippen', which translates to 'shame lips' or 'pubic lips'.
• Campaigners, including the Schaamteloos group and feminist organization Dolle Mina, argue that the traditional term links female anatomy to shame, negatively impacting how women view their bodies and interact with healthcare providers.
• Ton den Boon, editor of Dikke van Dale, justified the inclusion by noting that 'vulvalippen' is increasingly used in media, biology textbooks, medical leaflets, and even veterinary medicine.
• The initiative mirrors similar linguistic reforms in other countries, such as Sweden's adoption of 'slidkrans' (vaginal corona) to replace terms implying virginity, and German campaigns to replace 'Schamlippen' with 'Vulvalippen'.
• Critics, including linguistics researcher Dr. Beth Malory, caution that changing words does not automatically change societal attitudes or ensure clarity, emphasizing the need for careful research to avoid ambiguity in medical terminology.

Background

This development follows a broader global trend of reevaluating medical and anatomical language for its potential to perpetuate stigma or misogyny. While our recent archive focused on political name changes regarding geographic locations, this story highlights a parallel effort in the realm of personal and medical identity. The Dutch move is part of a larger movement in Europe to decouple female anatomy from concepts of shame or virginity, aiming to create a more neutral and accurate medical vocabulary.

Why it matters

Language shapes perception and can influence how individuals feel about their own bodies and medical experiences. By adopting neutral terminology, healthcare systems can potentially reduce patient anxiety and stigma, fostering a more respectful and accurate environment for discussions about women's health. This change may also encourage similar reforms in other countries and medical fields.

What to watch

Campaigners plan to persuade doctors and officials to adopt 'vulvalippen' in patient leaflets and consultations. The success of the dictionary change may inspire similar linguistic reforms in other European countries, potentially leading to broader acceptance of neutral anatomical terms in medical and educational contexts.