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Cambridge Dictionary redefines words 'man' and 'woman,' sparking backlash

Social media users expressed outrage after Cambridge Dictionary redefined the terms "man" and "woman."

Published: December 14, 2022 7:49am

Updated: December 14, 2022 9:49am

Cambridge Dictionary has redefined the words "man" and "woman," resulting in some confusion and outrage.

On the Cambridge Dictionary website, "man" has two definitions: "an adult male human being" and "an adult who lives and identifies as male though they may have been said to have a different sex at birth."

The word "woman" also has two definitions, according to the dictionary: "an adult female human being" and "an adult who lives and identifies as female though they may have been said to have a different sex at birth."

Much of the criticism appears to be social media posts from conservatives.

"So … how do they define 'living and identifying as female' ?" asked Christina Pushaw, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' outspoken political aide.

Conservative attorney Marina Medvin jokingly said: "I identify as a textbook. Hard cover,  fine print pages."

Daily Caller writer Mary Rooke called the dictionary writers "... traitors to the truth," according to the New York Post.

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