GENDER REPRESENTATION IN IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS
Keywords:
Gender representation, idiomatic expressions, language and gender, stereotypes, cultural norms, proverbs, sexism in language, feminist linguistics, phraseology.Abstract
This article explores gender representation in idiomatic expressions across English language discourse. It analyzes how men and women are portrayed through fixed phrases, proverbs, and idioms, many of which reflect deeply rooted cultural stereotypes and social norms. The study highlights how certain idioms reinforce traditional gender roles—often portraying women in domestic, emotional, or passive roles, while men are depicted as dominant, rational, or aggressive. Moreover, the article examines the implications of such expressions in shaping societal attitudes and language learners’ perceptions of gender. Attention is also given to the shift in modern usage, where language reform and social awareness movements challenge and sometimes alter these traditional expressions. The paper provides examples from literature, media, and everyday speech to illustrate how idiomatic language both mirrors and perpetuates gendered thinking.
