13 Misogynistic Phrases That Need To Die

Please and thank you!

1. "Smile."

Comedy Central

It's not a women's job to put on a sunny disposition for anyone.

2. "Sweetie/Honey"

NBC

Can be fine depending on the situation, but definitely demeaning to call a female coworker.

3. "You're not like other girls."

ABC

Translation: "I don't like women but am willing to make an exception for you." :/

4. "Hey, baby/sexy/beautiful!"

Paramount Pictures

Let women walk down the street in peace, without making them feel objectified.

5. "Friend zone"

Fox

Friendship doesn't mean anyone owes anyone sex.

6. "Hug it out?"

VH1

Even if it’s well-meaning, you don't want to put a woman in a situation where she either has to press her torso against you or come off as rude.

7. "That sounded so dirty."

Paramount Pictures

Let women yawn or eat popsicles without making them feel uncomfortable.

8. "This movie/show/book can't be sexist because X is a strong female character!"

Warner Bros.

Complex, developed female characters are great. But this phrase is often used for female characters that are physically strong but one-dimensional.

9. "I hate [female character] because she's whiny."

Fox

When male characters have internal conflict they are "tortured" and "sensitive." Yet female characters with internal conflict are "whiny."

10. "High-maintenance"

NBC

A word that tries to make girlfriends and women feel guilty about putting a lot of effort into their life.

11. "False advertising"

Fox

Women who wear make-up aren't putting themselves "on sale."

12. "How do you balance your work and family life?"

NBC

Meanwhile, no one seems to worry about how male professionals balance their work and family life.

13. "Not all men—"

Bravo

It's true, not all men say these things. But a true nice guy wouldn't try to make these struggles about him by using this phrase.