the signified and the signifier

AP Stylebook Rejects Your Misogyny, Says No More Mistress

Photo: George Marks

The way we write online is becoming a little more equal, thanks to the 2016 AP Stylebook.

The AP now suggest avoiding the word mistress because there is no male equivalent. Instead they recommend using friend, companion, or lover. The new entry reads: “Whenever possible, phrasing that acknowledges both people in the relationship is preferred: ‘The two were romantically (or sexuallyinvolved.’”

They also now recommend writers avoid using prostitute to describe a child who is forced into sex work, as prostitute implies that the child somehow has a choice.

In even better news: The word internet is now lowercase, saving copy editors everywhere countless taps of the shift key.

AP Stylebook Says No More Mistress