Dictionary Research

Dictionary Research

Spinster:

The word ‘spinster’ originates from the 13^th century when it was used to literally describe a women who spun yarn. However, in the early 1600s it was denoted as a term for an unmarried women. In today’s day and age, a ‘spinster’ is rarely heard of but is most commonly known as a woman of age, who should be but is not yet married. In this sense, the word spinster has negative connotations, as when the word’s meaning was adapted in the 17^th century, women were expected to be married at a very young age, so being old and unmarried was thrown upon. This is very likely to be because society in 17^th century was very pro-religion and marriage was seen as a very significant part of a religious lifestyle. As a result this meaning has carried on through time and to be called a ‘spinster’ is likely to offend a woman. This word seems to follow a long-existing pattern of undesirable connotations of aimed at women who do not live the ‘correct’ lifestyle that is expected of them.

Other associations or meanings for ‘spinster’:

A woman (or, rarely, a man) who spins, especially one who practises spinning as a regular occupation.

A spider, or other insect that spins.

Bachelor:

The word ‘bachelor’ first crossed into the English language around the 14^th century when the word was used to describe low-ranking knights. Later on, during the Victorian period is when the word’s meaning evolved to mean an unmarried man. The connotations associated with the word bachelor are majority positive, as a ‘bachelor’ is most commonly known as a ‘free’ man, living the desired life of most men.

Other associations or meanings for ‘bachelor’:

It is often used to label the lowest level of university degrees.

Mistress:

The word ‘mistress’ originated from centuries ago and its original meaning was to signify the authority of a particular women, demonstrating that she has more power than an ordinary women. As time went on it was becoming much more common for the word ‘mistress’ to be used as reference to a woman whom was having regular sex with a married man. However, although that meaning is still well known in today’s society, I believe it is more common for ‘mistress’ to still be associated with a women of power, for example, a headmistress.

Master:

The word ‘master’ is a very old term. Originally it was only associated with men and its meaning has always been a label of a person who obtains power. Over time its associations have been altered and in more recent times, the word ‘master’ is often used to also refer to women. However, in the 21^st century this word will always give the impression that a person is referring to a male rather than a female.