Forum debate on 'gender' vs 'sex' terminology

Language as a trench: debate on «gender» and «sens»

A forum discussion on whether to say «gender» or «sens» turned into an exchange of opinions. The debate began with mentions of SpeedyGonzalez and other users, continuing with interventions defending or rejecting the use of «gender». Amidst it, one participant stated that language has become a battlefield for culture wars.

Why is there a dispute over «gender» versus «sens»?

The controversy arose when a participant used «gender» instead of «sens». For another, this choice was a concession to the enemy: “NEVER USE ENEMY TERMINOLOGY,” they wrote. Others argued that «gender» is established and denying it means denying social reality. The discussion shifted to whether language should reflect reality or construct it. There was no agreement.

Street-level argument: clothing and appearance

One participant offered an observation mixing sociology and everyday life: “gender is correctly said because it’s what sells in markets. Sens less so. But gender yes, you just have to look at how people dress to realize.” The idea, expressed bluntly, suggests that confusion between sens and gender has settled into daily life. The same message added, “Many times I confuse women with prostitutes or pimps because there is no elegance nor middle ground.” This phrase reflects a personal perception of aesthetics as an ambiguous marker.

From GDR to blasphemy: cross-accusations

The exchange escalated when someone accused a supposed “Lieutenant Colonel of the GDR” of becoming “pogre”. The response was immediate: “Some come out pogre, others come out fascist. That’s what happens when you start from a box and get unboxed.” The discussion moved to terms like “Oooo-Christianity” and “blasphemy”, accused of being “enemy terminology”. The result was a clash where each side claimed linguistic legitimacy.

The close: an ironic comment

While the language discussion got tangled, a participant made an observation: “the modern man representing forces of chaos vs the communist from the GDR who makes the mistake of speaking about gender instead of sens”. The irony summarizes the point, according to this participant: in the culture war, even linguistic errors become ammunition. And the debate remains unresolved on whether the problem is the language or those who use it as a weapon.