Reclaiming Words

Some words that I want to reclaim or whatever the lingo is.

Miss -- My art teacher got married when I was in second grade. I remember her teaching us the difference between Miss, Mrs., and Ms. (4 letters: I am not married. 3 letters: I am married. 2 letters: Who knows?) The poor dear. I could write them all, but they all got pronounced the same way. Miss. I love the sound of it and still can’t wrap my tongue around Mzzzzz. So for the sake of being everyone the same, I’m proud to be Miss Me, no matter which way I spell it. (Often Ms.)

Lady/Ladies -- I didn’t realize there were issues with this one until the discussion here. I use it all the time. It’s my word for groups of women instead of saying, “hey guys,” it’s “hello ladies.”

Feminist -- I’m so confused by the unpopularity of the word feminist. I have always been a feminist. I hope I always will be.