Know Your English (Aug 2001)

Know your English

What is the meaning of "misogynist"? How do you pronounce the word?

The word "misogynist" is usually used to refer to a man who hates women. Here are a few examples.
* Some scholars believe that Jack the Ripper was a misogynist.
* When his wife ran away with another man, Rahul became a misogynist.
* As expected, the misogynist didn't invite a single woman to the party.
A word about the pronunciation. The `i' in the first syllable is like the `i' in `hit', `bit', and `sit'. The following `o' sounds like the `o' in `hot', `pot', and `lot'. The "y" in the third syllable is pronounced like the "a" in "China", and "about". The "g", by the way, is like the "j" in "jam", "Jew", and "jelly". The final "i" is like the "i" in "kit" and "pit". The main stress is on the second syllable.
This word is another example of how male chauvinistic the English language is. "Misogynist" is a fairly common word; most dictionaries include it. But not all dictionaries include the word, which refers to a woman who hates men! Why? I guess women are supposed to like men. Perhaps there are more women-hating men than men-hating women! Who knows! By the way, do you know what a woman who hates men is called? "Misandrist".


Source:
The Hindu daily, Tuesday, August 07, 2001