I was called a Spinster at work today, I was really offended.

Because it isn't the correct word.

It may have been in the past, but not any more - unless you're trying to insult someone.

It is no longer used to denote status in official documentation. Why do you think that is?

Which is exactly what Op is ENTIRELY BY HER OWN CHOICE. Why is she offended that the correct word for that has been applied to her.

The dictionary definitions do say that it wasn't derogatory historically, but in current use it is. Probably along the lines of how racist terminology was once perfectly acceptable but you wouldn't use it now.
Call her out on it and explain that it is a derogatory term, she'd be mortified (hopefully).

I believe this woman works with you.
I think it would be good to discuss it with her. I think it’s perfectly reasonable to say to her in a quiet moment that you were upset by her comment as the word is usually used in a derogatory way. You wondered whether she was aware of that.
That should give you some idea of her intentions in making the comment.
The only important thing is to make sure no one else is listening and that you’re able to speak calmly and not show your distress too overtly.

I've had that for decades. Makes you feel so small too. It's none her business.

I was 23 when I got married. I'm recorded as a spinster on my marriage certificate. I would just take as being unmarried, same as a bachelor. Now if she said old maid. Thats something different in my opinion

Or 90?

I've not seen the word spinster used for so long that I read it as sphincter.

Need to get new reading glasses

Next time you see her say your broomstick is charging up at home & your eye of newt casserole is nicely ready in your cauldron.

You are being far to sensitive. It’s just a word to describe someone who is unmarried. It’s your choice weather to take it as an insult or not. If she’d called you a cunt, I could see that some people might find that offence. It’s like all words it's the manor that they are said in.

I think there is a big difference between liking the word and just not being offended by it.

My late 30s single friends and I are reclaiming spinster. See also: cat lady. I quite like 'confirmed spinster'.

Fwiw my Bulgarian friend who has lived in the UK for about 20 years knows not to use this word for older women she barely knows.

Own the phrase - spinster were to be feared, for they were unmarried ladies who span for a living ... thereby having moved and independence. Darn right I'm a spinster...

Any unmarried woman is a spinster. I am a spinster even though I have been living with my partner for years. It's an accurate term, but has been changed socially (like "bastard", for a child of unmarried parents) which might make you feel different about it.

Exactly this. I don’t see why so many people are skipping over that in the weird rush to defend.

She did know better - come on now.

Why mention her aunt? Do you honestly think if OP was married she would have said “oh you’re married - I have an aunt who’s married”

Serious question?

Nobody uses spinster in a neutral fashion. Ever. And if she only had one word in her language for “single” it is not possible she would reach for the less common English word.

No actually when you fill in official documentation “Single” is contrasted with “Widowed” and “Divorced”.
It’s used completely separately.

No official forms ever use “Spinster”.

Spinster is not a type of single as it specifically means unmarried no children. If as you say her language just has one word that covers “single” then why would she not just use “single” in English?

Old fashioned term to describe an unmarried single woman. I didn’t anyone used it any more. 🤷‍♀️

That is much clearer, particularly as a couple may have been living together for years and have children before getting married.

I was expecting to think you needed a sense of humour, but actually it sounds as if she was being intentionally rude. YANBU. Ignore and back away, perhaps calling her an old bag.

This woman has no social skills. Could she be ND?

I’d have laughed and advised her to step away from the period dramas… What a ridiculously old fashioned word to use, to describe a single, independent woman in 2026!

I doubt someone would be getting called a spinster if they had a long term live in partner. Or even a succession of casual boyfriends?