The shift toward 'vulvalippen'
Ever feel like the words we use for our own bodies are just... out of touch? In the Netherlands, activists have been lowkey tired of medical terms that come with built-in judgment. The Dutch word for labia has historically been 'schaamlippen,' which literally translates to 'shame lips.'
Real talk: language shapes how we see ourselves. Shari Klein, co-founder of the Schaamteloos (Shameless) campaign, argues that linking anatomy to shame—even subconsciously—is a major L. Finally, the big-deal Dutch dictionary Dikke van Dale announced it’s adding the term 'vulvalippen' to its upcoming online edition. It’s a neutral, anatomically correct alternative that supporters say is long overdue.
More than just a dictionary entry
This isn't just about a word in a book. It’s about changing the vibes in doctor’s offices and textbooks. Ton den Boon, the dictionary’s editor, noted that the switch is justified because 'vulvalippen' is already showing up everywhere from biology texts to veterinary medicine.
This movement is giving major main character energy across Europe. In Sweden, campaigners previously pushed to replace the word for hymen with 'slidkrans' (vaginal corona) to ditch myths about virginity. In the UK, there’s a push to replace 'hysterectomy'—which shares a root with the dated concept of 'hysteria'—with 'uterectomy.'
The pushback and the goal
Not everyone is sold that swapping words will fix everything. Linguistics researcher Dr. Beth Malory points out that new terms need to be clear so they don't cause confusion in a medical setting. Meanwhile, obstetrician Dr. Brooke Vandermolen highlights other problematic phrases like 'incompetent cervix' or 'failure to progress' in labor, which can make patients feel like they’re the ones to blame for medical issues.
Why it matters
Words carry weight. When medical terminology is loaded with stigma or implies that a patient is 'failing' or 'shameful,' it can cause genuine distress. By updating our language to be more inclusive and accurate, campaigners hope to foster better, more validated experiences in healthcare. It’s a small change that could have a massive impact on how we perceive our own health.
