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My browser's spellcheck says it is, but I can't figure out why. Is Firefox sexist?

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I think it may actually be a typo, as I have just found a book called "Language and Woman's Place" books.google.com/… – CamelBlues Jun 1 '11 at 2:13
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Firefox also flags children's. Those ageist bastards! (It doesn't flag ageist.) – Malvolio Jun 1 '11 at 3:19
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Don't always trust your grammar checker - it may be wrong and you may be right. On the other hand, don't idly ignore its advice. – Jonathan Leffler Jun 1 '11 at 4:53
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@Malvolio: Does it flag bastards? :) – NPE Jun 1 '11 at 7:06

2 Answers

up vote 13 down vote accepted

No. It is not (necessarily) a typo. The following examples are all perfectly acceptable uses (at least grammatically) of the possesive form of women.

Women's rights

Women's work

Women's intuition

Women's gossip

I am unable to answer your question about whether or not Firefox is sexist.

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Agreed. At my church I remember seeing a sign that said "Women's" something or other. "Women's" may be out of context if it is not implying ownership? – Mr_CryptoPrime Jun 1 '11 at 2:21
up vote 5 down vote

"Women's" is the plural possessive. If you're referring to one woman you should say "(a) woman's" instead.

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