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Dutch Dictionary Adds Neutral Term for Labia Amid Campaign Against Stigmatizing Language
By Drooid · · How we work
New Dutch Dictionary Term Aims to Remove Stigmatizing Language
The leading Dutch reference work Dikke van Dale announced that its upcoming online edition will list “vulvalippen” as a neutral term for the labia, alongside the traditional word “schaamlippen.” The change follows a broader push to replace Dutch medical terminology that links women’s anatomy to shame.
Campaign for Neutral Anatomical Language
European activists have long urged a rewrite of words used in health, sexuality and body-related contexts, arguing that many carry misogynistic or judgmental connotations. In the Netherlands, the Schaamteloos campaign targets any term containing the root “schaam,” which translates to “shame.” Campaign co-founder Shari Klein emphasizes that language influences self-perception.
Official Response from Dikke van Dale
The dictionary’s editors noted that the update will appear in the next online release, without specifying a launch date.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Language shapes how we see ourselves,” — Shari Klein, one of the founders of the Schaamteloos campaign
Potential Impact on Medical Communication
By adopting “vulvalippen,” the dictionary hopes to influence medical notes, educational materials and public discourse, reducing the implicit stigma associated with the older term. Advocates argue that neutral language can improve how women discuss their bodies and health, while the change also signals a broader cultural shift toward gender-sensitive terminology in Dutch society.
