weaker sex
Low (archaic/dated); used primarily in historical contexts, quotations, or for deliberate rhetorical effect.Archaic, formal, patronizing; often used ironically or pejoratively in contemporary discourse.
Definition
Meaning
A dated, patronizing term referring to women, suggesting they are physically or emotionally less robust than men.
Used historically to justify paternalistic attitudes and policies, implying women require protection or are unsuited for certain roles. In modern usage, it is almost exclusively employed ironically, critically, or to highlight archaic thinking.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrase embodies a sexist stereotype. Its use today is highly marked, signaling either an antiquated worldview, sarcasm, or a critique of such attitudes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage; the term is equally archaic and problematic in both varieties.
Connotations
Universally carries strong negative connotations of outdated sexism. Its appearance is typically in historical texts, feminist critique, or ironic commentary.
Frequency
Extremely rare in current, non-specialist discourse in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb: protect, defend, cherish] the weaker sex[Adjective: supposed, so-called, patronizing] weaker sex[Preposition: towards, regarding] the weaker sexVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Needs must when the weaker sex drives (archaic/jocular reversal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Unacceptable; would be considered highly unprofessional and discriminatory.
Academic
Only found in historical, sociological, or gender studies contexts discussing past attitudes.
Everyday
Virtually never used seriously; if used, it is either by very elderly speakers with dated views or as a clear joke/insult.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He absurdly claimed his role was to champion the weaker sex.
American English
- The old law sought to shield the weaker sex from financial burdens.
adverb
British English
- He spoke weaker-sex-ly about women's capabilities.
American English
- The policy was weaker-sex-edly conceived.
adjective
British English
- His weaker-sex rhetoric was met with immediate derision.
American English
- The article debunked weaker-sex stereotypes from the 1950s.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- 'Weaker sex' is an old phrase. We do not use it now.
- In the past, some people called women 'the weaker sex', but this is not a good thing to say.
- The Victorian notion of women as 'the weaker sex' restricted their access to education and employment.
- Contemporary historians analyse the 'weaker sex' trope as a ideological tool to enforce separate spheres for men and women.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'weak link' in a chain; this phrase wrongly and offensively labels an entire gender as that weaker link.
Conceptual Metaphor
WOMEN ARE FRAGILE OBJECTS / WOMEN ARE CHILDREN (requiring protection).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation ('слабый пол') exists and is still used in Russian, though increasingly seen as old-fashioned. This can create a false equivalence, making the English phrase seem more acceptable than it is. In modern English, it is far more offensive and archaic than its Russian counterpart.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in earnest in modern contexts.
- Failing to recognize its deeply patronizing nature.
- Believing it is a harmless or chivalrous term.
Practice
Quiz
In which context might you legitimately encounter the phrase 'the weaker sex' today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Only in very specific contexts: when quoting historical sources, discussing the history of sexism, or using it ironically to critique such attitudes. Using it sincerely is offensive.
Simply 'women'. If referring to a group, 'female population' or 'women and girls' are specific and neutral.
It homogenizes half the population, falsely ascribes inherent weakness, and has been used to justify systemic discrimination and limitation of rights.
'The stronger sex' or 'the sterner sex' are historical counterparts, but they are also dated and reinforce rigid binary stereotypes. They are less commonly critiqued because they were framed as positive, but they are part of the same outdated paradigm.