offensive language - Does “woman driver” have a special meaning other than female driver?


Rush Limbaugh’s “wrong choice of word” is causing a big fuss. And I was puzzled to find the following statement of Limbaugh from www.rushlimbaugh.com that was made 4 days ago:



The reaction that they are having to what I said yesterday about Susan Fluke -- or Sandra Fluke, whatever her ... Look, at least I didn't call her "a woman driver," and I'll tell you this, you people on the left: I'll happily buy her all the aspirin she wants.



and the quote of Limbaugh in www.doonesbury.com:



We want you to post the videos online so we can all watch. [...] Absolutely hilarious... Look, at least I didn't call her 'a woman driver.'
— Limbaugh, on uproar over his comments



Limbaugh called the Georgetown law student a slut and a prostitute, but he at least didn’t call her a woman driver. What's wrong with woman driver? Why is "a woman driver" bracketed? It sounds like the word, “a woman driver” is more insulting than calling a woman a slut and prostitute.


Does “woman driver” have a special meaning other than female driver?



Answer



I'll answer this one because it doesn't seem anyone else is really addressing OP's actual question. OP's age and "internationalist" background make it unlikely he needs to be told about the fact of sexism - he's just asking why "woman driver" is more "sexist" than "female driver".


Given "female driver" is a relatively new replacement for "lady driver", it's clear "woman driver" is derogatory mainly because using it means you're not using the standard "neutral/positive" form.


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In many contexts, "woman" has always been a less respectful term than "lady", but that latter has now become quaint and dated. You still sometimes see the once-coveted label "one lady owner" applied to second-hand cars, but it's largely fallen into disuse. Arguably it's just as sexist to talk about "boy-racers" who drive cars aggressively and thereby reduce their future resale value, but somehow that side of the "sexist/ageist language" debate doesn't get so much attention.


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