Why the Dutch dictionary has a new word for labia

Can you imagine seeing the words "shame lips" on your medical notes? The term, which can also be translated as "pubic lips," is the Dutch word for a woman’s body part. But, for some, it’s just one of countless examples that are outdated and loaded with stigma. Last month, leading Dutch dictionary Dikke van Dale announced it would include a new term for the labia, "vulvalippen" – in its upcoming online addition – alongside the traditional term "schaamlippen." This significant linguistic shift is part of a broader, international movement to reclaim and destigmatize language surrounding women’s bodies, sexuality, and health, aiming to foster greater inclusivity and anatomical accuracy.

European campaigners have long been advocating for a rewrite of terms used to discuss women’s bodies, sexuality, and health. What unites them is the desire to move away from terms that are often perceived as misogynistic, judgmental, or laden with historical baggage. "Language shapes how we see ourselves," explains Shari Klein, a co-founder of the Schaamteloos campaign, which specifically targets words that incorporate "schaam," meaning "shame." She emphasizes, "It’s crucial people have a more neutral, anatomically correct word – not a word that links to shame, whether consciously or sub-consciously." This sentiment underscores the belief that the words we use have a profound impact on individual self-perception and societal attitudes.

The call to adopt "vulvalippen" is not a new phenomenon, but its impending inclusion in the esteemed Dikke van Dale dictionary is seen by campaigners as a pivotal moment, signaling that society is "finally ready for change." Esther Van der Valk, a member of the prominent Dutch feminist group Dolle Mina, views this development as intrinsically linked to the promotion of "sex positivity" and the reduction of body shaming. The campaign’s immediate future involves concerted efforts to persuade medical professionals and public health officials to integrate "vulvalippen" into their communication, whether in educational leaflets or during patient consultations. This practical application is seen as essential for solidifying the term’s acceptance and impact.

Ton den Boon, the editor of the Dikke van Dale dictionary, has stated that the inclusion of "vulvalippen" is justified by its increasing prevalence in contemporary Dutch language. He notes its growing presence in media, biological textbooks, medical literature, and even in veterinary contexts, indicating a broader linguistic and cultural shift. However, the ultimate widespread adoption of the term remains to be seen, as language evolution is a complex and often gradual process. The "schaam" prefix, meaning "shame," is deeply embedded in the Dutch lexicon when referring to intimate body parts. This extends beyond the labia to terms like "schaam haar" (pubic or shame hair), "schaam been" (pubic or shame bone), and even "schaam lice" for pubic lice. These examples highlight the pervasive nature of shame-laden terminology in describing female anatomy.

The Dutch initiative mirrors similar efforts in other European countries. In Germany, a petition launched in 2018 by journalists Gunda Windmüller and Mithu Sanyal aimed to replace "Shamlippen" with "Vulvalippen." Windmüller was motivated by personal experience, recounting how a gynecologist shared the profound shame some women carry when discussing their bodies or undergoing medical examinations. While researching for an article, she realized the inherent difficulty of discussing female anatomy without resorting to the word "shame." Although "Vulvalippen" has not yet been officially adopted by a German dictionary, Windmüller has observed its increasing use in everyday conversations, school textbooks, and women’s magazines, expressing hope that the Dutch recognition will galvanize further support in Germany.

The linguistic activism extends to Sweden, where a new term for "hymen" was incorporated into the academic dictionary following a campaign initiated in 2009. The Swedish Association for Sexuality Education (RFSU) argued that the traditional term "mandomshinna," which translates to "maidenhood skin" or "virginity membrane," was not only anatomically inaccurate but also perpetuated harmful myths surrounding hymens and virginity. The new term, "slidkrans," translates to "vaginal corona," a more precise description of the hymen as folds of tissue forming a ring, rather than a seal that invariably breaks upon first intercourse. Sonja Ghaderi of the RFSU explains, "With a new word, we can challenge the myths that seek to control women’s sexuality and freedom." She notes that "slidkrans" is particularly employed by healthcare professionals and in youth clinics, yet acknowledges that misinformation persists, underscoring the ongoing need to dismantle deeply ingrained social constructs.

In the United Kingdom, feminist podcast host Nicola Denson-Elliott spearheaded a petition to replace the term "hysterectomy" (the surgical removal of the womb) with "uterectomy." This campaign aligns with arguments that "hysterectomy" carries linguistic associations with "hysteria," a term historically used to describe a supposed disease of emotional excess in women. Denson-Elliott advocates for a more "anatomically correct term" that is not "associated with emotion." The petition boldly labels this linguistic issue as "medical misogyny," asserting that "Women deserve terminology that respects them."

Linguistics researcher Dr. Beth Malory stresses the importance of thorough research preceding any linguistic changes. She poses critical questions: "Will people understand ‘uterectomy’? Is simply saying ‘removal of the womb’ better?" Malory emphasizes that new terms must be unambiguous and that any systemic changes should be carefully considered to avoid confusion. Her research also delves into the language surrounding pregnancy and loss. She highlights the phrase "incompetent cervix," used to describe cervical shortening that increases the risk of pregnancy loss and premature birth. Women who have experienced this have reported feeling blamed for the medical condition. Obstetrician Dr. Brooke Vandermolen questions the necessity of "judgmental words like failure or incompetence," noting that even though such terms appear in medical textbooks, she has consciously moved away from using them, including "failure to progress," which describes labor that is not advancing as expected.

Dr. Vandermolen strongly emphasizes the power of language: "Language is incredibly important, and the words we choose can show recognition and make people feel validated and seen." In 2022, the Royal College of Midwives released guidelines offering alternative phrases to more sensitive and accurate communication. However, Dr. Vandermolen observes that some traditional, potentially distressing terms are still in circulation. She expresses a fervent hope that the linguistic shift in the Netherlands will serve as a catalyst for more robust conversations in the UK regarding the language used to discuss women’s bodies. "What we say can have a lasting impact," she concludes, reinforcing the profound connection between language, perception, and well-being. This international wave of linguistic reform underscores a growing global recognition of the need for language that is not only precise but also empowering and respectful of women’s experiences.