Dear Lord…
The Scripps National Spelling Bee, an annual spelling competition in the United States, has stirred controversy with its recent inclusion of “womyn” as an acceptable alternative spelling for “women.” This decision was made for the study lists intended for third-grade students preparing for the 2025 National Finals, which will mark the competition’s 100th anniversary.
The term “womyn” has been recognized by Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, which is the official source for all words in the competition. According to the dictionary, “womyn” is used in some feminist contexts to avoid the association with “men” in the spelling of “women.” The Scripps National Spelling Bee follows a policy of accepting any spelling listed in their official dictionary that isn’t marked archaic or obsolete, which is why “womyn” was included in the study list.
This decision has led to significant backlash, particularly from conservative critics who argue that it introduces political ideology into what should be a linguistically focused competition. Some on social media have criticized this move as “woke indoctrination,” while others see it as an acknowledgment of evolving language use. Critics, including public figures like Riley Gaines, have voiced concerns that this represents broader cultural issues, suggesting it confuses the traditional purpose of the spelling bee.
Despite the controversy, the Scripps National Spelling Bee maintains that their goal is educational, aiming to enrich students’ understanding of the English language by including all recognized alternate spellings from their official dictionary source.
Sometimes you just wonder when it will all stop…