Writer: Annika Binstadt
The language we use surrounding menstruation is frequently vague and confusing, and a more direct route should be taken to increase inclusivity, reduce the effects of harmful stereotypes, and open spaces for period discussions. A 2016 survey by period company Clue found (among the 90,000 menstruating women from 190 countries interviewed) there are over 5,000 global terms for the word “period” (Clue, March 17, 2016). Some common phrases in the US include “shark week,” “that time of the month,” or "Aunt Flo.” Although these code words may sound cute, silly, or insignificant, they represent a much larger issue in how our society interacts with menstruation: we do not, and if we do, we do so negatively.
Almost all the reported euphemisms had some negative connotation, whether they were acquired or inherent. Some of these negative euphemisms pin menstruation as only a women’s issue, such as the Danish “Damedage” (ladies’ days), Spanish “Las cosas de chicas” (girls’ stuff), or even the English “Aunt Flo.” This language is harmful as it pins periods as something which can only be discussed by women and around women, completely isolating menstruating people who do not identify as women and cisgender men from period discussions.
Other euphemisms monopolize on menstruating people as being crazy, hysterical, incapable, sick, or abnormal. Some examples include the Chinese “坏运气” or “bad luck,” Portuguese “monstra” or “monster (female),” or Spanish “estoy indespuesta” (I’m indisposed). This type of language propagates the long-held stereotype that menstruating people have heightened emotions, cannot think critically, or are weak or useless.
To combat this issue, choose direct language when referring to periods, such as “menstruation,” “period,” “menstrual cycle,” or “cycle.” Using this direct language will be inclusive of all menstruating people, clear confusion about the topic, and not inherently make periods a negative thing.