The same year, the first issue of Ms. There is a void in the English language which, with some diffidence, we undertake to fill.
Every one has been put in an embarrassing position by ignorance of the status of some woman. To call a maiden Mrs is only a shade worse than to insult a matron with the inferior title Miss. Yet it is not always easy to know the factsβ¦.
Now, clearly, what is needed is a more comprehensive term which does homage to the sex without expressing any views as to their domestic situation, and what could be simpler or more logical than the retention of what the two doubtful terms have in common.
Even a well-meaning stranger, misjudging age or appearance, can step on mines. You might as well have to guess whether a woman is pregnant.
By some quirk of convention, actresses of all persuasions are allowed to claim the title. Catherine Deneuve is said to be a fan. I put the question to four female French friends. Save this story Save this story. It rejuvenates you. Lauren Collins has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since More: Feminism France. In our sociopolitical moment, it could make more sense to consider what might be called the boob index. By Naomi Fry.
