sex change: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Medical, legal, journalistic, and increasingly outdated informal usage.
Quick answer
What does “sex change” mean?
A medical and social process of transitioning from one sex to another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medical and social process of transitioning from one sex to another.
The term encompasses surgical procedures, hormonal treatments, and legal/social recognition changes associated with gender transition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar, but UK medical/legal documents may use 'Gender Recognition Certificate' (GRC) process, whereas US contexts refer to changing gender markers on documents. The term itself is equally outdated in both varieties.
Connotations
Increasingly carries negative or sensationalist connotations in both varieties. Associated with tabloid journalism and older medical models.
Frequency
Declining sharply in professional use in both regions due to awareness of more respectful terminology.
Grammar
How to Use “sex change” in a Sentence
to undergo [a sex change]to have [a sex change][a sex change] operationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sex change” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The newspaper's coverage of the athlete's sex change was widely criticised for its insensitivity.
- In the 1990s, the clinic was known for performing sex change operations.
American English
- The talk show host used the term 'sex change', prompting a backlash from viewers.
- Older insurance policies often excluded coverage for a sex change.
compound_adjective
British English
- The sex-change surgery took place abroad.
- He sought a sex-change certificate.
American English
- The sex-change process was lengthy.
- The article discussed sex-change legislation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in outdated diversity training materials or insurance policy exclusions.
Academic
Largely replaced in sociology, psychology, and medicine by 'gender transition' or 'gender-affirming care'. Used historically or critically.
Everyday
Considered offensive and reductive. Use 'transitioning' or 'is transgender'.
Technical
In medical history, may refer to specific surgical procedures. Current standards use precise terms like 'vaginoplasty', 'phalloplasty', 'facial feminization surgery', etc.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sex change”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sex change”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sex change”
- Using it as a noun for a person: 'He is a sex change.' (Extremely offensive)
- Assuming it refers only to surgery.
- Using it in contemporary, respectful writing or speech.
- Confusing 'sex' (biological) and 'gender' (identity/expression) in this context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally considered outdated, overly clinical, and potentially offensive. It reduces a person's complex transition to a single surgical event. Use 'transition', 'gender transition', or more specific terms like 'gender-affirming care'.
'Sex change' implies a change of biological sex characteristics, often focusing solely on surgery. 'Gender transition' is a broader, more accurate term encompassing social, legal, and medical aspects of aligning one's life with their gender identity.
Terminology has evolved with greater understanding of transgender experiences. Language now emphasizes identity (gender) over biology (sex) and respects the individual's autonomy and process, moving away from sensationalist or pathologizing terms.
Refer to the process as a 'transition'. For medical procedures, use specific names (e.g., 'vaginoplasty') or the umbrella term 'gender-affirming surgery'. Always follow the individual's preferred language.
A medical and social process of transitioning from one sex to another.
Sex change is usually medical, legal, journalistic, and increasingly outdated informal usage. in register.
Sex change: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛks ˌtʃeɪndʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛks ˌtʃeɪndʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Sex change' is an OLD term. For a NEW, respectful understanding, use 'Gender transition' – it's about the person's gender journey, not just a biological 'change'.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOURNEY (preferred): 'embarking on a transition', 'path of affirmation'. OBJECT/EVENT (outdated): 'having a sex change' frames it as a discrete medical procedure.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate and respectful term to use in a contemporary context?