Gender-Inclusive Language Substitutions

This rule enforces the use of gender-inclusive and non-discriminatory language by identifying gendered or outdated terms and suggesting more inclusive alternatives. The rule is designed to promote respectful, professional communication that doesn't perpetuate gender stereotypes or biases in writing.

The motivation behind this rule is crucial: language shapes perception and culture. Using gender-inclusive language helps create a more welcoming and equitable environment for all readers, regardless of their gender identity. It also helps organizations maintain modern, professional standards in their communications.

Examples:

  • Flags "chairman" → Suggests "chair"
  • Flags "policeman" → Suggests "police officer"
  • Flags "stewardess" → Suggests "flight attendant"
  • Flags "mankind" → Suggests "human kind"
  • Flags "fireman" → Suggests "firefighter"
  • Flags "alumnus/alumna" → Suggests "graduate"
  • Flags "woman scientist" → Suggests "scientist"
  • Flags "workman" → Suggests "worker"

The rule is case-insensitive and uses regular expressions to catch variations of these terms, including plural forms and different gender-specific suffixes (like -man/-woman or -men/-women).

Rule Source

This rule comes from: https://github.com/mesosphere/dcos-docs-site

Rule Definition

extends: substitution
message: "Consider using '%s' instead of '%s'."
ignorecase: true
level: error
swap:
  (?:alumna|alumnus):          graduate
  (?:alumnae|alumni):          graduates
  air(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):      pilot(s)
  anchor(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):   anchor(s)
  authoress:                   author
  camera(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):   camera operator(s)
  chair(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):    chair(s)
  congress(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n): member(s) of congress
  door(?:m[ae]|wom[ae]n):      concierge(s)
  draft(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):    drafter(s)
  fire(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):     firefighter(s)
  fisher(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):   fisher(s)
  fresh(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):    first-year student(s)
  garbage(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):  waste collector(s)
  lady lawyer:                 lawyer
  ladylike:                    courteous
  landlord:                    building manager
  mail(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):     mail carriers
  man and wife:                husband and wife
  man enough:                  strong enough
  mankind:                     human kind
  manmade:                     manufactured
  manpower:                    personnel
  men and girls:               men and women
  middle(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):   intermediary
  news(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):     journalist(s)
  ombuds(?:man|woman):         ombuds
  oneupmanship:                upstaging
  poetess:                     poet
  police(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):   police officer(s)
  repair(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):   technician(s)
  sales(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):    salesperson or sales people
  service(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):  soldier(s)
  steward(?:ess)?:             flight attendant
  tribes(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):   tribe member(s)
  waitress:                    waiter
  woman doctor:                doctor
  woman scientist[s]?:         scientist(s)
  work(?:m[ae]n|wom[ae]n):     worker(s)