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Dutch dictionary adds new word for labia
Dikke van Dale includes vulvalippen to replace a term linked with shame, part of a wider push across Europe to destigmatise language around women's bodies.
In brief
Dikke van Dale includes vulvalippen to replace a term linked with shame, part of a wider push across Europe to destigmatise language around women's bodies. The Dutch dictionary Dikke van Dale is adding vulvalippen as a neutral term for labia, replacing schaamlippen, which translates as shame lips, as part of a broader…
A word loaded with shame
The Dutch term schaamlippen, used for labia, translates as shame lips or pubic lips. Campaigners say it is one of countless outdated, stigmatised words used to discuss women's bodies, sexuality and health.
Dictionary adds neutral alternative
Last month, leading Dutch dictionary Dikke van Dale said it would include vulvalippen, a new term for labia, in its upcoming online edition alongside the traditional schaamlippen.
Why language matters
Shari Klein, founder of the Schaamteloos campaign targeting words using schaam or shame, says people need neutral, anatomically correct words that do not link to shame consciously or subconsciously.
“Language shapes how we see ourselves.”
Dictionary editor explains the change
Ton den Boon, editor of Dikke van Dale, says adding vulvalippen is justified because it is becoming more established in language and is being used more in media, biology textbooks, medical leaflets and veterinary medicine.
Similar campaigns across Europe
In Germany, journalists Gunda Windmüller and Mithu Sanyal started a petition in two thousand eighteen to change Schamlippen to Vulvalippen after a gynaecologist told Windmüller of the shame women carry discussing their bodies.
Sweden's hymen terminology shift
In Sweden, a new word slidkrans, meaning vaginal corona, was added to the academic dictionary after a two thousand nine campaign. The association for sexuality education felt the traditional term mödomshinna, or virginity membrane, was anatomically inaccurate and perpetuated myths.
Medical language still causes harm
Obstetrician Dr Brooke Vandermolen says judgmental terms like incompetent cervix and failure to progress cause distress to women. She has moved away from such terms but notes they are still used in medical textbooks and practice.
“Why do we need judgmental words like failure or incompetence?”
Calls for broader change
Dr Vandermolen hopes the Dutch change sparks more conversations about how we speak about women's bodies. Language is incredibly important and the words we choose can show recognition and make people feel validated and seen.
“Language is incredibly important and the words we choose can show recognition and make people feel validated and seen.”
The one thing
The Dutch dictionary Dikke van Dale is adding vulvalippen as a neutral term for labia, replacing schaamlippen, which translates as shame lips, as part of a broader European campaign to remove stigma from medical language about women's bodies.
