Let's be real, calling any part of your body 'shame lips' is a bit much, isn't it? For ages, the standard Dutch word for labia has been schaamlippen, a term that literally packs shame into our anatomy. It’s the kind of word that makes you wince, whether you’re reading it in a biology textbook or hearing it in a doctor's office. But thanks to years of campaigning, that's finally changing.
The Netherlands' most authoritative dictionary, the Dikke van Dale, is officially adding a new, neutral alternative: vulvalippen. This became world news, as even BBC is reporting about it. It will be listed right alongside the old term in its next online edition, giving us all a much-needed, shame-free option.
So, Why Does One Word Matter So Much?
Language isn't just a set of labels; it shapes how we think and feel about ourselves and our bodies. For the activists behind the Schaamteloos (Shameless) campaign, getting rid of the 'schaam' was non-negotiable. "It's crucial people have a more neutral, anatomically correct word — not a word that links to shame, whether consciously or sub-consciously," says co-founder Shari Klein.
This isn't just about semantics; it's about dismantling the weird, historical baggage attached to our bodies. The fight for bodily autonomy and the right to define our own experiences is something we in the queer community know a lot about. Whether it's pronouns or the words we use for our own anatomy, having language that respects us is fundamental. As one of the protest signs at a recent march cleverly pointed out, "after all, there are no shame balls." Fair point.
Part of a Bigger Conversation
This move in the Netherlands is part of a much wider European conversation about de-stigmatizing the language around bodies, sex, and health. It’s not happening in a vacuum:
- Germany: Activists there have also been pushing for Vulvalippen to replace the German Schamlippen.
- Sweden: In 2009, campaigners successfully introduced slidkrans (vaginal corona) into the dictionary to replace the misleading term for the hymen, which translated to 'virginity membrane'.
- United Kingdom: There's an ongoing petition to replace 'hysterectomy' with 'uterectomy', arguing the original term is linked to the outdated and misogynistic concept of 'hysteria'.
It all points to a growing awareness that the language we inherit is often loaded with judgment. Obstetrician Dr. Brooke Vandermolen notes that even seemingly neutral medical terms like "failure to progress" in labour or "incompetent cervix" can make patients feel blamed for their own bodies. "Language is incredibly important," she says, "and the words we choose can show recognition and make people feel validated and seen."
What's Next?
Getting 'vulvalippen' into the dictionary is a huge step, but the work isn't over. The next goal for campaigners is to see the term adopted more widely in medical settings, on health leaflets, and in schools. While some might argue that changing a word won't change the world, it's a powerful start. It gives us the tools to talk about our bodies with accuracy, respect, and zero shame. And that’s a conversation worth having.
