sexist

American  

[sek-sist] / ˈsɛk sɪst /

adjective

1. relating to, involving, or fostering sexism, or attitudes and behavior toward someone based on the person's gender.

   a sexist remark;

   sexist advertising.

2. relating to discrimination or devaluation based on a person's sex or gender, especially such discrimination directed against women.

   A sexist work culture contributes to restricted job opportunities for women.

3. reflecting or exhibiting ingrained or institutionalized prejudice against women.

4. reflecting or exhibiting hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women; misogynistic.

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noun

1. a person who has sexist attitudes or behaves in a sexist manner.

Etymology

Origin of sexist

First recorded in 1965–70; sex + -ist, on the model of racist ( def. )

Explanation

A sexist is someone who discriminates on the basis of gender. Sexist people and laws are unfair. Like racist and homophobic, this word refers to a type of hatred or discrimination: in this case, on the basis of gender. Usually, sexist people and laws discriminate against women. Back when women couldn't vote, wear pants, or own property, you could say that the world was pretty sexist. Likewise, before all-women Vassar College began admitting men, it was accused of having sexist policies. Treating a man or woman differently just because they're male or female is sexist.

Example Sentences

But their single “Racist, Sexist Boy” became an ultra-viral hit after that library set.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2024

“You hear a youngness when you listen to these songs,” says musicologist Lily Hirsch, author of “Can’t Stop the Grrrls: Confronting Sexist Labels in Music from Ariana Grande to Yoko Ono.”

From Seattle Times • Jul. 6, 2023

Fiona Texeire, a co-founder of the Observatory of Sexual and Sexist Violence in Politics, said that some women leave politics “because it is not an environment where you can work in perfect safety.”

From New York Times • May 23, 2022

A new "Gender-Inclusive/Non-Sexist Language Guidelines and Resources" page made by the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Pittsburgh features a section titled "Terms to Use to Avoid Sexist Language."

From Fox News • Oct. 26, 2021

In the tradition of the outspoken feminist punk bands that inspired them, the Linda Lindas’ “Racist, Sexist Boy” unabashedly calls out injustice amid crashing drums and power chords.

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2021

Related Words

• bigoted
• discriminatory
• dogmatic
• intolerant
• intransigent
• one-sided
• opinionated
• racist
• xenophobic