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Much research has been done on the language and word choice of both genders. Dr. Robin Lakoff, a pioneer in this area, has written most extensively on this subject. Others' research has confirmed many of her conclusions and has also raised questions about earlier hypotheses, relating some issues to power and position in the work force rather than simply gender differences. The following differences between the genders, however, still stand: |
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Women use more intensive adverbs (so, just, very, much), more expressive adjectives (gorgeous, electrifying, devoted, awesome), more emotional words (furious, lovingly, thrilled), and more diminutives (tiny, cute, precious). Their color vocabulary is more extensive (teal blue, periwinkle blue, baby blue, aqua). Women tend to use tentative language. In general, they use less slang, more precise diction, and better grammar than men. |
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Men use more game analogies, stronger profanity, and more expletives than women do. They tend to use more forceful, confident language. They generally use more slang and colloquialisms, less precise diction, and more improper grammar than women. |
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Tip 994 (for women): Use more nouns and verbs than adjectives and adverbs when you want your comments to sound more factual than subjective. |
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Tip 995 (for women): Use direct, forceful language when you want to sound authoritative, competent, and confident. |
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Tip 996 (for men): Use more tentative language (questions, qualifiers, hedgers) when you want to sound less dictatorial and more open and approachable. |
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Meta-messages surround words and give them their complete meaning: tone of voice, actions, body language, context. |
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