AIBU to question using spinster and old maid for single women

[Chocolatelabsarebest]

AIBU to wonder why some people feel that it is ok to use the word “spinster” and “old maid” to refer to unmarried women ? What is wrong with the word “single “?
I thought those words had fallen out of use!! So why have I seen these words used with reference to Ann Widdicombe?

Because we live in a misogynist world, which still sees women as failures if they haven’t bagged a man.

They are old fashioned and in real life I’ve not heard people use those words.

Ann Widdicombe described herself as this.

I've never heard anyone use these terms IRL either. Old Maid is a card game.

It's very old fashioned and I don't think many people think it's acceptable, hence the fact the journalist has issued an apology.

Ver old fashioned misogynistic terms. I’m partner free.

Old Maid is a shit term but I don’t know what’s wrong with Spinster - if anyone knows, can they tell me please? Is it not similar to Bachelor?

It was Adam Boulton, instead of apologising he has doubled down. At least Peter Tatchell has had the grace to delete his offensive tweet and apologise.

Oh apparently he has now apologised - presumably to keep his very well paid job.

I'm wrong about his job too - apparently he no longer works for Sky

Old maid was once a common term for an older unmarried woman.

IIRC from Jane Austen’s Emma, ‘And end an old maid? Like Miss Bates??’ (Shock horror!)

But I’d be astonished to hear anyone use it in that sense nowadays!

I couldnt give a monkeys what people call it tbh. Genuinely.

All I know is that I am happier this way. And statistically likely to remain happier this way.

Widdecombe frequently used to word ‘spinster’ to describe herself. No-nonsense character that she was, I assume she regarded the word as a straightforward statement of fact. Because she was a spinster.

I'm all right with spinster because of the origins but it depends who's using the word I suppose.

But I thought what Adam Boulton said was just deeply unpleasant and he obviously didn't mean it in a positive way.

Generally, I thought his attitude was centuries old. His comments say a lot about him.

Old maid, I don't like, but I'm not aware of the history.

Spinster ok but a bit out of date, I think they still use it for marriage vows, but pointedly at someone very old seems harsh. Old maid very odd.

It originates from the 14th century, when women who spun thread or yarn could earn their own income and weren’t reliant on men. I’m happy to be known as a spinster.

So the guy had to apologise for accurate use of the English language?

I’ve embraced it and quite like referring to myself as Spinster of this Parish.

I’ve never tried spinning yarn but would have a go.

The point is, she had just died, it had been revealed she was murdered, and he reduced her to her sexual experience. Can you imagine him doing that about a male politician of long standing and renown?

No

It was more that he chose to make certain remarks, including on her personal life, rather than remembering her for having major political career.

if he had been commenting on a man, he certainly would not have been making those personal remarks.

Because we’re valued by what goes in and what comes out of our vaginas.

Spinster is just about ok. Old Maid ranks up there with ‘left on the shelf’ as misogynistic and condescending.

On our wedding banns it said bachelor and spinster!

The thing is it’s a label. So if someone is called a spinster, it’s almost like there’s a massive assumption they’re without a partner now so it will always be this way. It’s doesn’t account for people who don’t want to meet anyone right now or they’re looking and will meet someone in the future.

As a side note it’s extremely rare for the word to be used in my experience.

Spinster is NOT ok for the above reason. Once you’re a spinster you always are according to most people grrrr.

Misogyny alive and well.

TBH it was fairly tame compared with the stuff that some creature who calls themself Heather Herbert apparently posted