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The history of menstruation language
The history of menstruation language
The way we talk about our periods hasn t always been the same. Here s how our language around menstruation has evolved over time.
Linguistic experts Lucy Trowbridge, and Taylor Hermerding, from the language learning app Babbel offer insight into the linguistic stigma surrounding periods and menstruation for Menstrual Hygiene Day (28th May):
If we look back through history, menstrual cycles have been stigmatised as an inconvenient time of the month that shouldn’t be spoken about while in polite company. Throughout the 20th century, the phrases and euphemisms used to describe menstruation, such as sanitary products and feminine hygiene , have often implied that there is something unclean or dirty about periods. Many generations were taught that having a period is something that shouldn’t be discussed, or that periods are something about which to be ashamed.