Register now or log in to access. Wordmaker is a website which tells you how many words you can make out of any given word in english. Now what do I put after my name? Actor - I agree with Marc, 'Actor' refers to your profession, not your gender. At the moment it's a two sided coin. Lol, Alle, too funny. Great question Marissa ! Actress = little actor. But we've used it incorrectly for so long that, eventually, a new meaning will be added to the dictionary. • "Good" acting is not the main focus of this list. Honestly I always thought actor represents the male and actress represents the female. These straw man arguments are clouding the real topic at hand here. I think it's a subtle sexism. Look at how gorgeous Viola Davis is on Magazine cover. That is my thought process on it. For example, the word "terrific". Not even a female actor just an actor. You must all accept that they are now different, and both are correct for their respective countries. It's you who seems to have the obsession. It's a matter of preference. Although we don't use actor/actress in our scripts, the job posting should identify the sex. It was my understanding that the term "actress" was outdated, and now it was more politically correct to say "female actor," "male actor." What percentage of the UK population has a degree? What grade did you get in your dissertation? Actor: it's not a person, it's not a gender, it's a job. Next time you go to use the term actress you use the term actor. it wasn't invented to put women down or elevate men, it was purely in existence to create clarity. On the Queen Mary however, (US owned!) I personally don't see why people have to take offence at this and believe that all human souls are equal, therefore using the literally correct term is the best and most logical course of action, that being "Actress". I use the term "actor". Actor. Just accept that there are differences. good question, as I have thought the same thing and I use "actor". (Latin Servus = slave). Actor = one who acts. The only people who try to correct me are not in the business. What a bloody waste of time. Which country has the hardest education system?! Peter, you certainly are a "fan" of "quotation marks" aren't you? More and more I am "corrected" by the people that I am talking to with "I think you mean 'actress'". And at no time did I say I was embarrassed by anything labelling me as female, just don't see why it needs to happen. I agree with you, I think it sounds more professional, too. "Crazy" If you're using the term "crazy" countless times a day, you're probably in the norm. I personally refer to myself as an actor. My sister's an actor as well- and when it comes up, I always say "She's an actor as well". Personally, I see no reason to genderfy the term. The Duchess of Sussex used to be one of the most loved women in the world, but suddenly the tide has turned against her. Kudos to you for being the voice of progression. I always say actor. USAGE Use of the word actress to refer to a female person who acts is old-fashioned. On Facebook I posted Diminutive where I discuss this. What else have people heard the most? Until then, if you get a paycheck, let them call you what they will, as long as they call you ;). Actually, I often refer to myself as an actron. For some reason I'm hungry for chicken now. we have tried our best to include every possible word combination of a given word. It's no hardship. Bravo!!! I'm a professional performer. (drops the mike) (eggzits stage left) (curmudgeons rejoise) (dynosores, in they're limited capacity, baffle over the suddin climaktic chanjes) f7 f7 f7 f7 f7 f7 f7 Still in good fun, Enrique (non-gender specific) Actor :). A matter of educating those who aren't in the know. I think reality is Americans are too soft and can't bare to be insulted nor bare the thought of insulting someone else. Actor I guess is just more of a gender neutral term, but I don’t really mind either way, " actress " is still a largely used term to describe female actors, but they still fall under the general term of " actors ". Well that’s the way the world is heading. Thank you all so much for your interest and comments. Information and translations of actress in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. When I was learning Finnish I was pleased to discover that they have no gender pronouns (and hence no need for gender agreements with nouns and adjectives, as so many languages have). As a writer I'm grateful not being called a 'writress' given by the fact no one will ever be able to speak such a word correctly. The actor performs "in the flesh" in the traditional medium of the theatre or in modern media such as film, radio, and television.The analogous Greek term is ὑποκριτής (hupokritḗs), literally "one who answers". I love that people are really passionate about speaking their minds and being their true selves unapologetically; that is, after all what being an actor calls you to do. I always have the same problem in other cases. And no, I don't use the gender-specific name my parents gave me - I use a version of it that I adapted because I liked it better, and that most people I meet seem to assume stands for Stefan, so it clearly doesn't seem feminine to them. There's a few males in this post who really need to go put on their big boy pants and grow up. I refer to myself as an Actor for the simple reason it is not gender specific and like you, want to promote equality in the business. Churchill said that the English and Americans are divided by a common language. Note There are 2 vowel letters and 5 consonant letters in the word actress. There was an interesting docu on television about a week ago on women in comedy and the struggles they encountered in what is typically a male dominated business. Sometimes people "correct" me, but I just keep saying actor and eventually they let it go. Thanks for generating this conversation! Female authors used to be called authoresses, for example. Marilyn Monroe was an actress, size 10 and considered one of the most beautiful women in the world. But let's just take a look at the action we're being asked to take here. So expect to see it used more often. The MOST words you've written in one day at uni?? I don't know any men in the business who would regard a 'great actress' as in any way less than a 'great actor'. There are several words that have made it into the dictionary just by common usage, or misusage. A Scrabble Dictionary, Scrabble Word Finder & Scrabble Cheat to help you with many word based games and apps. Therefore all, non-Fazool THESPIANS are Fun-loving honest liars. Can we agree to disagree now? How much percent at university is 2:1 or a 1st class degree? Why make the distinction? Who cares, frankly. Hence, I think go on as you do, calling yourself an actor. Please refrain from commenting on this thread, or any other for that matter, if your intention is to attack or name call. The actress, who starred on the ABC sitcom as Rachel McGuire from 1998 until 2000, ... See photos of Maitland Ward then and now: This content is not … Seriously? By the same token, if you do not use the word "actress," then you can't use the word, "waitress.". • I have to have seen the actress in a movie or TV-series. Same here Alexis. The female actress has become an actor. Such terms helped to justify lower pay for women in the past. Yes, but that's from a long-standing tradition. I don't care what the tradition and history is. The Oxford Companion to the Body dates the origin of the pubic wig to the 1450s. What does actress mean? Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe - who do you prefer? Neutral words like assistant, worker, person or officer are now often used instead of -man or … We are special people and therefore should be seen as women and actresses. because that is who I am. they have a variety of waiters (not a waitress in sight) for each course plus a wine waiter who is highly trained and would be most insulted to be called a wine server. I'm an Acting Coach in NYC for over 28 years now, and that is the appropriate title for either male or female 'actors'. We call wait staff "servers", not waiters or waitresses. Next time someone corrects you or debates the term, just ask them to name their favourite directress. If I prefer only actress, is that okay? ... Collocations are words that are often used together and are brilliant at providing natural sounding language for your speech and writing. To natives - have you every called them actress or they are just actors and not even female actors? We have a brilliant team of more than 60 Support Team members looking after discussions on The Student Room, helping to make it a fun, safe and useful place to hang out. Actors are also known as ‘thespians’ because of the first known Greek actor … Actors may be professional or not. That is equality more so than male actor and female actor. Languages are evolving all the time, and are always pushed on their way by changing society. You may or may not agree with them, but they are consistent - don't remove women from a truly gender neutral noun (actor, doctor, waiter, etc.) My $.02 :^). between American English, which has evolved in its way, and British English which has evolved in a different way, both having different influencing factors. There it is even not necessary to mention it is a female doctor, female pilot and so on. The SAG Awards refer to Female Actors in their awards because it reflects contemporary practice. We are Actors. A server is a computer providing your browser system. I really don't like being corrected by people - especially those not in an entertainment field haha I think you should call yourself what you want; it's your craft, and you should choose by what you would like to be referred :), As much as I dislike needless debates with cyber bullies, here goes: None of my sister's diplomas proclaim her to be a female doctor. A woman actor is actress, but the word "actor" is used for both men and women when referring to a group. You write roles for certain characters. I feel women should be proud to be female. However, the entertainment industry is already wrought with such harshness in criticisms, expectations and comparisons. So I prefer to use the term "Actor". Meaning of actress. I don't see either as a negative in today's society! I am new here, but in the film industry I feel that it does make a difference. The Oxford English Dictionary states that originally "actor" was used for both sexes. How else could you have a level playing field? I just came off of a set and going back in a few days. I have a daughter that's an engineer. Great thread! Help inform Ofqual on remote invigilation. It's just a gender separation that our industry has come to the informal consensus that we don't need. Who actually has the time to get annoyed and make a thread about the word 'actress'. and isn't it strange that no teacher, pilot, doctor, scientist has this problem? The awareness isn't really there yet. (Perhaps later, if I get to know her, we can discuss feminism and the importance of neutral gender titles) If I don't know the woman, I'll refer to her as an actor unless she requests otherwise. By using 'actress' it makes 'actor' a male term by default. While it's not cool to use the term, it's not cool to call people out on it either. The more apparent issue is with positive male gender marking in job titles. Actress is one of the least offensively sounding examples, mainly because being a good actress is seen as highly feminine and thus feminising the title is attractive to many. For example, in English, the job title stewardess implies that the person is female. But as an actor one of the first things they teach you is not to be so "judgey" (also not a word). For awhile I was all about being PC. Depends who you ask, same as in America. I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Sometimes actors only sing or dance, or sometimes they only work on radio. The Student Room, Get Revising and Marked by Teachers are trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. As the Guardian 's readers' editor pointed out in the subsequent clarification: 'This was one of those occasions when the word "actresses" might have been used.'" Is it possible to do a dissertation in 13 days!? That's it. Living in NYC, female performers were always referred to as "actors", then I moved to Los Angeles where I was corrected by a producer who said, "Here you are an actress." 15 sources, not enough for a 2000 word essay? No problem. Our priest begins prayers with "Sisters and Brothers" which is frowned upon by traditionalists and loathed by feminists who say "don't patronise us" so which is right?? LOL! Tell us a little about yourself to get started. Look, if you want to call yourself an actress, do it! Here we have waiters and waitresses. Being a fan of history I have enjoyed your posts on this thread, seriously, I love the information. In no way would I want to disrespect anyone. As for the gender question, Shakespeare was originally performed with all male casts-- even the female roles. Oh, and by the way, she's pretty too. If the Academy wants to nominate me for Best Actress, I am certainly not going to argue with them and say, "no, I'm an actor.' but also Actress and Female Actor. I'll call you what you like. Many people now avoid these. ), the use of which makes women invisible. Wow. ... 2020 Read more Create an account and sign in to access this FREE content. I prefer actor more simple. they just throw the men and women together in one category? It would seem that actor is now used for both men and women, which in my own personal opinion is pathetic. I feel the same degrading as you describe it like is for a waitress, a stewardess (now flight assistant btw) etc. Find 158 synonyms for "be an actress" and other similar words that you can use instead from our thesaurus. "Actor", "Actress", both are correct. In some cases it may be debatable whether a title is gender … boils down to the differences (ie which is correct?) Peter Corey Evolve means to develop gradually, which is what languages do, surely? I feel that by using the same word to describe us all it puts us on an equal playing field; the word "actress" just sounds less professional and serious to me--as if I'm still the little girl I was when I was 3 dreaming of being a big performer one day (not that there was anything wrong with that). So I agree it is a personal preference, but I am an actress and feel no shame! The energy being expelled to argue against this tiny change screams volumes to me. And of course you don't say stewardess or waitress anymore, but flight attendant and server. But first, she does a deep dive into the intricacies of the original L Word. I think you have a rather old-fashioned way of looking at things, Nkosi! People already know I'm a female. I always saw "actor" as a universal term. I really enjoy reading all of your opinions! It was during those times that the word ‘actress’ was coined to differentiate female performers from the males. The terms are job descriptions- same as an actor. It's no ones business. This isn't about actor vs actress, it's about every gender marked job title that's out there and trying to bring universal equality. All in good fun :), I believe that until the Oscars combine them, it's not important. I think CJ has hit a raw nerve with you, Peter. I prefer to be called an actor. call yourself whatever you like better, but I would probably call you an actor. Not that it matters either way. They also stated there is no male comedy or female comedy....it's just comedy. I call all of my friends "actors", female or male. I don’t see how changing these little things benefits anyone. I find that amusing, actually. I don't correct people if they call me either. And yes, most people here do know a duck from a drake, (we have some beautiful mallards on our village pond) and a cow from a bull, which is handy when walking through a field. As far as I know, no one has ever turned down the award because of the "sexist" implications of the title. I've always used that term (and I've been a professional actor for 23 years) because it denotes equality. I love that this question was posed 6 years ago, and yet it is STILL relevant.