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Female Rage Gains Recognition: Oxford's Word of the Year

1/24/2026

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Female Rage Recognized

The term 'rage bait' was named Oxford Dictionary's word of the year.
Jennifer Cox, a psychotherapist, says women's fury is often dismissed but may be gaining recognition.
Jennette McCurdy's novel Half His Age reflects on a past toxic relationship and unprocessed anger.
McCurdy says female rage is a powerful response to exploitation and urges self-advocacy.
McCurdy hopes the protagonist Waldo encourages self-compassion and discussion of past mistakes.

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McCurdy Empowers Women

Jennette McCurdy, author, says her debut novel Half His Age centers on a 17-year-old Waldo and a controversial relationship with a middle-aged teacher.
McCurdy says the book exposes desires masked by superficial wants, such as consumerism, and aims to empower women to confront anger and reclaim their narratives.
She has adapted her memoir into a screenplay and insists on keeping creative control to preserve her unique voice.

History

Historical Context

In 2018, the Oxford Dictionary named "toxic" as its word of the year, reflecting growing societal concerns about harmful relationships and the dismissal of women's anger. This trend aligns with the #MeToo movement, which highlighted women's experiences of exploitation. Jennette McCurdy's novel, "Half His Age," further explores female rage and empowerment, marking a significant shift towards validating women's narratives and promoting discussions on emotional health.

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Female Rage Recognized

The term 'rage bait' was named Oxford Dictionary's word of the year.
Jennifer Cox, a psychotherapist, says women's fury is often dismissed but may be gaining recognition.
Jennette McCurdy's novel Half His Age reflects on a past toxic relationship and unprocessed anger.
McCurdy says female rage is a powerful response to exploitation and urges self-advocacy.
McCurdy hopes the protagonist Waldo encourages self-compassion and discussion of past mistakes.

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