In this vitally important and engaging text, leading feminist linguist, Deborah Cameron, explores the role of language and discourse in perpetuating sexism and misogyny in the twenty-first century.

Deborah Cameron is Professor of Language and Communication at Oxford University, UK. Her previous publications include Verbal hygiene, The feminist critique of language and On language and sexual politics. She regularly contributes to broadcasts and podcasts on language and gender, and blogs at Language: a feminist guide.

Introduction: Have we come a long way, baby?

1. Double standards: the policing of women's language
2. Unequal rights: attention, respect and male entitlement
3. Coded messages: sexism, words and meanings
4. Default male: sexism and grammar
5. Who do you think you are? Sexism and forms of address
6. Something old, something new: investigating misogynist discourse
7. Telling stories: the reporting of violence against women
8. Words and deeds: resisting sexism and misogyny

Index