European Union bans the word ‘man’ in latest equality guide

The European Union has advised against using certain words like “man” to help make language more inclusive.

The English Style Guide from the European Commission provides officials and translators with inclusive alternatives to common phrases and words, such as “tradesman”.

Under the guidance, “husband and wife” should be swapped for “spouse”, “christian name” should be “first name”, and “in layman’s terms” should be replaced with “everyday language”.

It suggested to use alternatives for terms containing “man” to mean people of all genders, which some critics deemed too “woke”, using JD Vance as an example of who to follow instead.

Founder of the Free Speech Union Lord Young told The Telegraph: “This sort of woke nonsense now feels completely outdated. The European Commission clearly hasn’t got the memo. I think JD Vance needs to make another speech.”

Alka Sehgal-Cuthbert, director of campaign group Don’t Divide Us, said it was important for people to be able to use language they have grown up with alongside previous generations.

She said: “Yes, some language changes as society does, but a patronising linguistic putsch by the European Commission is anti-democratic, not inclusive. No HR department should have any truck with this language ‘guide’.

“That’s why language policing is more than ‘PC gone mad’ and needs active, reasoned rejection, not just eye-rolling disapproval.”

The European Institute for Gender Equality acknowledged how language shapes underlying beliefs, having released its latest guide on gender inclusive language and communication in December 2024, titled “Your Words Matter”.

It said: “Language and communication play a pivotal role in shaping our attitudes and behaviours and norms in society. They hold significant potential for not only supporting but also promoting gender equality.”