...for "the wife"???

We often see posts on POTN asking questions about a camera for "the wife"? Does anyone else but me find this somewhat sexist and/or demeaning? Did you ever see a posting referring to "the husband"?

One wants parts for "the car" or "the house" or maybe "the cat", but they are all "things" (well, maybe not the cat) but a wife is a person, so why not "my wife"?

Opinions please, ladies and gentlemen (which might even include some photographers)

P.S. BTW I'm a man.

"The Hubby". I see this all the time. : /

I think you need to get a life!

teekay wrote in post #17807516
We often see posts on POTN asking questions about a camera for "the wife"? Does anyone else but me find this somewhat sexist and/or demeaning? Did you ever see a posting referring to "the husband"?

One wants parts for "the car" or "the house" or maybe "the cat", but they are all "things" (well, maybe not the cat) but a wife is a person, so why not "my wife"?

Opinions please, ladies and gentlemen (which might even include some photographers)

P.S. BTW I'm a man.

I've never thought it insulting or demeaning to refer to my children as "the kids," although I do say "my wife," not "the wife." Maybe it's a regional thing.

Political correctness for everyone

teekay wrote in post #17807516
We often see posts on POTN asking questions about a camera for "the wife"? Does anyone else but me find this somewhat sexist and/or demeaning? Did you ever see a posting referring to "the husband"?

I don't recall seeing "the husband." To my ear, "the wife" sounds old-fashioned, as does "the missus." Whether it's offensive is hard to decide. I guess, yes, a little. At least it emphasizes that the guy has just one wife.

In my opinion, there are many, many people who can't wait to be told how to think and speak. Maybe you should go look for them?

snerd wrote in post #17807649
In my opinion, there are many, many people who can't wait to be told how to think and speak. Maybe you should go look for them?

snerd, that was snide. teekay is simply asking whether others react as he does to the phrase "the wife." Some of us are more interested in language than others and are glad to respond.

OhLook wrote in post #17807726
snerd, that was snide. teekay is simply asking whether others react as he does to the phrase "the wife." Some of us are more interested in language than others and are glad to respond.

I think some folks go around looking for ways to be offended. That term is so common in the south that just seeing it questioned is nuts. I have no need for the thought police in my life, thanks. With all due respect.

ETA and why just call out me? There were others who expressed the same sentiment towards politically correct speech.

PSS I just asked the wife........... she doesn't mind it at all.

teekay wrote in post #17807516
Does anyone else but me find this somewhat sexist and/or demeaning?

Nope. Without more specific input, I think small hands, easy to use, lighter is probably better.
I don't have time to worry what the PC Police are renaming this week.

I guess I could have been nicer in saying what I did. Nothing personal.

snerd wrote in post #17807736
That term is so common in the south that just seeing it questioned is nuts.

Well, not everyone lives in the South. The OP certainly doesn't. What if the term is standard in some places and unheard of in others? Then there's nothing nutty about asking. The rest of us might even learn something from the replies.

Because your post was critical and sarcastic. Sorry, but you asked.

"Politically correct" isn't a synonym for "inoffensive" or "polite" or "tactful," although someone will haul out the "PC" label whenever a discussion like this comes up.

snerd wrote in post #17807736
I think some folks go around looking for ways to be offended. That term is so common in the south that just seeing it questioned is nuts. I have no need for the thought police in my life, thanks. With all due respect.
....

So it's a regional thing? I never thought of that. Also maybe a generational thing?

So far I think the only comments have been from guys, so maybe I should have posted this on the "Lady Photographer's" thread, where I'll bet I would not have been accused as being in favour of "thought police". I was just asking for opinions, not saying anyone should be forced to change how they describe their wives. Geez!

teekay wrote in post #17807792
So far I think the only comments have been from guys

[cough . . .]

Im not from the South, though I live here now. I have heard people from both the North and South refer to wives as "the wife". I believe its more to do with growing up. Like soda or pop, probably which ever way you heard more. While Im sure there are people who use it in a derogatory term , I dont believe the majority of people do. I refer to my wife, when speaking formally to acquaintances or strangers as my wife, yet in familiar company I refer to her as my old lady, don't know why just always have.

I actually believe "my" would be more PC derogatory than "the" as "my" shows a form of possession and "the" refers to a specific individual

Oh and BTW while on the forums it may be because of language rules but theres been many a time my wife has referred to me with a lot worse than using "the" or "my" anything.