The short version
- The Dikke van Dale dictionary will list 'vulvalippen' as an alternative to the traditional Dutch term for labia, which translates literally to 'shame lips'.
- Campaigners argue that removing shame-based etymology from medical terminology helps reduce body stigma and promotes sex positivity.
- Similar linguistic reforms are occurring across Europe, including in Germany and Sweden, though experts warn that new terms must be clear and widely understood.
A leading Dutch dictionary has announced it will include a new term for the labia in its upcoming online edition, marking a significant step in an ongoing effort to remove stigma from medical language. The Dikke van Dale will list 'vulvalippen' alongside the traditional word 'schaamlippen,' which translates directly as 'shame lips.' This change reflects a growing consensus among campaigners and some medical professionals that language shapes self-perception and that terms loaded with historical judgment should be replaced by neutral, anatomically accurate alternatives.
The push for this linguistic update is driven by groups like Schaamteloos, which targets words containing the root 'schaam' or shame. Shari Klein, a founder of the campaign, emphasizes that having a neutral word is crucial for preventing subconscious associations with shame. The goal is not merely semantic but social, aiming to make women feel seen and respected in medical contexts. By adopting a term that describes anatomy without moral judgment, advocates hope to dismantle long-standing cultural narratives that link female biology to modesty or disgrace.
Ton den Boon, editor of the dictionary, justified the addition by noting that 'vulvalippen' is becoming more established in public discourse. The term is increasingly appearing in media reports, biology textbooks, medical leaflets, and even veterinary medicine. Its inclusion signals that society may be ready for this shift, moving away from archaic terminology toward language that reflects modern understandings of health and anatomy. However, whether the new term will achieve widespread adoption remains uncertain, as linguistic change often lags behind institutional updates.
This development in the Netherlands mirrors similar movements across Europe aimed at rewriting how women's bodies are discussed. In Germany, journalists Gunda Windmüller and Mithu Sanyal launched a petition in 2018 to replace 'Shamlippen' with 'Vulvalippen.' Windmüller was motivated by experiences where gynecologists highlighted the shame some women feel during examinations. Although German dictionaries have not yet adopted the change, the term is appearing in school textbooks and women's magazines, suggesting a gradual cultural shift toward more positive and accurate descriptions of female anatomy.
Sweden has also seen progress in this area, with an academic dictionary adding a new word for the hymen following a 2009 campaign. The traditional term 'mödomshinna,' translating to maidenhood skin or virginity membrane, was criticized by the association for sexuality education (RFSU) as anatomically inaccurate and myth-perpetuating. The new term 'slidkrans,' or vaginal corona, better reflects the physical reality of the hymen as folds of tissue rather than a seal that breaks. Sonja Ghaderi of RFSU notes that while the new word is used in healthcare settings, misinformation persists, highlighting the need to address broader social constructs alongside linguistic changes.
In the United Kingdom, feminist podcast host Nicola Denson-Elliott has campaigned to replace 'hysterectomy' with 'uterectomy.' She argues that the traditional term links surgically to hysteria, a historical diagnosis associated with emotional excess in women. The petition describes this as medical misogyny, asserting that women deserve terminology that respects their bodies without associating them with emotion or instability. This effort underscores a broader desire for language that is clinically precise and free from patriarchal baggage.
However, linguistics researchers caution that changing words requires careful consideration to avoid confusion. Dr. Beth Malory, who studies medical language, points out that new terms must be unambiguous and widely understood. She questions whether 'uterectomy' is clearer than simply saying 'removal of the womb.' Malory also highlights issues with other medical phrases, such as 'incompetent cervix,' which can make patients feel blamed for pregnancy complications. Obstetrician Dr. Brooke Vandermolen agrees that judgmental words like failure or incompetence are unnecessary and harmful.
The campaign in the Netherlands aims to convince doctors and officials to use 'vulvalippen' in consultations and informational materials. While dictionary inclusion is a milestone, practical adoption in healthcare settings will determine the true impact of this change. Critics argue that changing a word alone may not alter people's lives or deep-seated attitudes. Nevertheless, supporters view this as a necessary step toward reducing body shaming and promoting sex positivity, hoping it will inspire similar reforms in other areas of medical language.
Other Dutch words related to both men and women carry similar connotations, such as 'schaam haar' (pubic or shame hair) and 'schaam been' (pubic or shame bone). These terms also contain the root for shame, suggesting that the linguistic reform could extend beyond female anatomy. As campaigners continue their work, the focus remains on ensuring that medical language supports rather than undermines patient dignity. The ultimate goal is a healthcare environment where terminology fosters understanding and respect, free from historical stigma.
Sources behind this briefing
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- BBC World↗'Make women feel seen': Why the Dutch have a new word for labia
