The origin of woman is wif-man in Old English as it states in the Oxford English Dictionary. Wif in Old English meant woman. It also indicated how a female made a living. A fish-wif was a female who sold fish. Wif-man evolved into wife-man and then into woman.
I take language very seriously. I identify strongly as female and not as woman. Now, given, this is directly from the OED and you may find other explanations elsewhere. But I take the OED at it's word and it describes itself as the "definitive record of the English language"
Ever listen to that show A Way With Words? Love it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by CherylNYC
According to Websters:
Definition of WOMAN
1
a : an adult female person
Definition of FEMALE
1
a (1) : of, relating to, or being the sex that bears young or produces eggs (2) : pistillate
b (1) : composed of members of the female sex <the female population> (2) : characteristic of girls or women <composed for female voices> <a female name> |