Random House is not the first publisher to address the question of sexist language or words that give offense.

Most feminists agree, of course, that sexist language exists and is a bad thing: but on the question of why, they are divided.

For them, the major problem with sexist language is that it is outdated.

As feminists resist sexist language, so many speakers have resisted the alternative.

"But the mood to eradicate sexist language does not end here."

It used to be that you couldn't use sexist language.

I long ago made a conscious decision to delete sexist and speciesist language from my vocabulary.

"I've experienced absolutely no gender discrimination or sexist language," she said.

Finally, avoid sexist language - but don't go overboard.

Social changes in the use have made more obvious his racist and sexist language and themes.