Lexical Asymmetry - An imbalance in the meanings of two evidently matching words. For example, man and woman should have opposite meanings but should be equal. However, if you look up the words 'manly' and 'womanly' in the dictionary they actually have very different meanings.
Semantic Derogation - The negative meanings associated with words. For example, 'spastic','faggot','gypo'. Muriel Schulz in her'the Semantic Derogation of Women': "terms of endearment (for women)... often become acquainted with a degraded, shameful profession."
Semantic Reclamation - This is when a word that originally carried negative connotations has been 'flipped on it's head' and is now used in a positive way. For example, 'nigger' and 'bitch'.
Pejoration and Amelioration - When a word's meaning changes overtime. Pejoration - Semantics move from positive to negative, for example, 'gay'. Amelioration - Semantics move from negative to positive. For example, 'cute'.
Semantic Over-representation - A fairly simple idea that just means there are many more words to describe a particular concept or group, than their equivalent. For example, there are a lot more words to describe sexually active females than males.
Lexical Gaps - When there are no equivalents for certain terms. For example, 'cupcake' or 'stud'.
Marked and unmarked terms
Marked - 'Lady Doctor', 'Male Nurse'
Unmarked - 'Stallion'
Generic Terms and Pronouns - The generic use of terms or pronouns used to describe a group as a collective, even when there is a variety of people. For example, as a generation we are referred to as 'mankind'.
Patronizing and Demeaning Usages - 'Alright Darling' 'Cheer up, love'
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