Dutch dictionary adds new term 'vulvalippen'
'Make women feel seen': Why the Dutch have a new word for labia
Friday, 25 September 2026
Warm-up
- What examples of body‑positive language have you seen or heard?
- Do dictionaries change how people speak, or only record it? Why?
- Should doctors adapt their words to patients, or teach new terms?
Vocabulary
- dictionary
- A book or website that lists words and explains what they mean.
- campaigner
- A person who works publicly to change something in society.
- stigma
- A strong feeling of shame or disapproval attached to something.
- misogynistic
- Showing dislike of, or prejudice against, women.
- anatomically
- In a way that matches the structure of the body.
- adopt
- To begin to use a word, idea, or practice.
- petition
- A formal request that many people sign to ask for a change.
- terminology
- The set of special words used in a particular field.
Reading
The leading Dutch dictionary Dikke van Dale will add the term vulvalippen for the labia, alongside the traditional schaamlippen or shame lips. Campaigners say the update will reduce stigma and promote sex positivity. Shari Klein from the Schaamteloos campaign argues a more neutral, anatomically correct word is needed, and that older terms can feel misogynistic.
Esther Van der Valk of feminist group Dolle Mina says the goal is also to cut body shaming. Next, activists will ask doctors and officials to use vulvalippen in leaflets and consultations. Editor Ton den Boon says the addition is justified because the term now appears in media, biology textbooks, medical leaflets and even veterinary settings, although it is unclear how widely the public will adopt it.
The move echoes efforts elsewhere. In Germany, journalists Gunda Windmüller and Mithu Sanyal started a 2018 petition to replace Schamlippen with Vulvalippen. In Sweden, RFSU promoted slidkrans instead of mödomshinna for the hymen. In the UK, a petition seeks uterectomy instead of hysterectomy. Researcher Dr Beth Malory warns terminology should be clear and tested so patients will understand it.
Comprehension
- Which Dutch dictionary will include the word vulvalippen?
- What existing Dutch term will sit alongside the new word?
- What do campaigners hope the change will reduce or promote?
- Who is the editor who says the addition is justified?
- Name one country mentioned with similar language efforts.
Grammar focus
Will vs going to (prediction)
Use will + verb for simple predictions and decisions made at the moment. Use be going to + verb when there is present evidence or a plan. Form: will + base / be going to + base.
- The leading Dutch dictionary Dikke van Dale will add the term vulvalippen for the labia.
- Campaigners say the update will reduce stigma and promote sex positivity.
Grammar exercise
Complete each sentence with the correct future form (will / be going to).
- Activists (ask) ___ officials to use the term.
- It is unclear how widely the public (adopt) ___ it.
- The word appears in textbooks, so schools (teach) ___ it.
- Researchers (test) ___ the term's clarity in trials.
- If doctors accept it, medical leaflets (change) ___ to include vulvalippen.
Discussion
- Do words influence attitudes to bodies and health? Give an example.
- Should medical terms favour clarity or tradition? Why?
- How quickly will new terminology be adopted in your country?
- Who should decide official terms: experts, dictionaries or the public?
Vocabulary, reading, and exercises with instant feedback
Spotted a mistake in this lesson? Tell us.