TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re[6]: Killer Language From:Iain Harrison <iharrison -at- SCT -dot- CO -dot- UK> Date:Thu, 14 Nov 1996 13:10:43 GMT
Karl Hakkarainen responds:
>>
FWIW: The Apple Publications Style Guide specifically
directs the writer not to use male and female when
describing connectors.
There are many terms that, over time, fall from favor and
from preferred usage. As long as there is no ambiguity with
terms such as plug and socket, it seems to be a helpful
change.
<<
But Karl, your reply does not address the issues I raised at
all.
Not all plugs are 'male' and not all sockets are 'female'.
It is entirely immaterial what the Apple Publications Style
Guide says if the net result is that there is no clear
distinction between a male and a female plug and a female and a
male socket.
It isn't a matter of preferred usage, it is a matter of making a
distinction between different configurations.
How would you suggest the distinction could be described
succinctly?
What is your objection to the terms 'male' and 'female' in this
context?
