I wrote the article in question and you make an interesting linguistic argument. But there is some dictionary-based justification to argue that “master” in terms of showing mastery has long been a gender-neutral noun. Take this definition, for example, from Merriam-Webster Unabridged that I subscribe to online: “: a person having mastery of or control over something abstract or immaterial <master of his own time."

By the way, I am flattered that you liked the commentary on the fascinating South Carolina race.

Wonder no more: you’re absolutely correct, sir.

Funny, how we insert gender where is does not exist in human populations. people are either male or female. Yet we ignore gender where is does exist, as property of nouns, masculine or feminine.

With all the commotion regarding an alleged affair, the person who made that statement was probably trying to exercise some sensitivity regarding current dilemmas even though he was grammatically incorrect.

Red’s got a good point.

Ok, this is REALLY pedantic, but I would argue that in this context, “master” is correct.

A person, male or female, “masters” a craft, art, technique, etc., and therefore becomes a “master” at it or of it.

Female graduates do not become a “Mistress” of arts or sciences. We speak of someone as a “past master” at something, whether the person is a man or a woman, not a “past mistress.”

A mistress is a female in charge of something, such as a pet, household, or, er…whatever.

I’ll agree with Red as well, because a lot of people think of “mistress” as “what’s between a master and a mattress”, rather than the gender specific definition for “a woman in a position of authority”.

They’re wrong, of course. Or just have a dirty mind. But then, even some dictionarieshave a dirty mind.

“Female Actors” would be men who play women’s roles.

“Actresses” are women who play women’s roles.

“Female Actress” would be, say, Rosie O’Donnell – someone who both lacks the X chromosome and is offered women’s roles.

Thanks Bob ;-D

Thanks Jeff Yeah, you don’t hear mistress being used in a grammatically correct way too often probably because of the illicit word association”…because a lot of people think of “mistress” as “what’s between a master and a mattress”. That’s the 21st century for ya!

Red beat me to it.

“Mistress”, like “Madam”, acquired overtones of sexual impropriety somewhere along the way and is often not used for respectable women anymore, lest anyone get the wrong idea.

because a lot of people think of “mistress” as “what’s between a master and a mattress”. That’s the 21st century for ya!

What about women who like being on top?

I am a trogolyte who still calls those women who walk up and down the isles on airlines, stewardesses, and those women who work in stage and film, actresses. But wasn’t Margaret Thatcher more of a master than mistress? Yet Lady Thatcher works fine. Go figure.

Here are some on the British left day dreaming about Lady Thatcher.

I really make a point of trying to preserve gender differnces in our language.

We make a loud showy point of proclaaiming the need to embrace diversity in our culture… and then we make it harder to describe it. Seems hypocritical to me.

Sorry, Red, but “Elvira, Master of the Dark” just doesn’t work.

What about women who like being on top?

If I were not very, very happily married I’d reply: call them whatever they want to be called, but have them call me.

My plan is not working out so well.

Oh I had an inappropriate physical relationship with Helen Thomas.

The Oxford English Dictionary definition of ‘mistress’: n. woman in authority or withpower.

Mr. McCain, I understand you to be a Southern patriot. Why no comment on Jeffrey Lord’s Lincoln-worshiping boilerplate at AmSpec?

http://spectator.org/archives/2010/06/08/jack-levins-gettysburg

This New Englander is not alone in wishing to see the South more stoutly defended, especially at ostensibly conservative publications. Scalawags are slandering Dixie again.

Why are you silent?

A master of boomerang politics …..is a political degree…somewhere in between bachelor and doctor of boomerang. I recall the university I attended offered it.

@chercast,
So long as it wasn’t “Boomerang Studies” you’re probably OK.

Ever had “Boomerang chili?’ It WILL come back on you…