Eight words that reveal the sexism at the heart of the English language - The Guardian

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jan/27/eight-words-sexism-heart-english-language
Mistress
The female equivalent of "master"
Hussy
"A disreputable woman of improper behaviour"
Madam
The female equivalent of "sir"
Governess
Compared to "Governor" a lady who has particular power over someone
Spinster
A woman beyond usual age for marriage equivalent for bachelor
Courtesan
Female equivalent of "courtier"
Wench
An unmarried woman, a mistress
Tart
A female of immoral character


Thinking about the male equivalents of some of these words throws their sexism into sharp relief. Master for mistress; sir for madam; governor for governess; bachelor for spinster; courtier for courtesan – whereas the male list speaks of power and high status, the female list has a very different set of connotations. These are of either subordinate status or sexual service to men.