Is the Word “Cockpit” an Example of Gender Misappropriation?

Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will do just nicely.

Photo by Shaun Darwood on Unsplash

The other day, I was in the simulator, and the instructor called me out for using the word cockpit.

He said we should use the word flight deck instead. When I asked why, he said it might be considered gender misappropriation.

Honestly, I was surprised. I’ve been using the word for decades and never considered it sexist. (Despite the childish innuendos.)

So, I did some research.

It turns out the word has no origins in sexism or male genitalia whatsoever. It’s derived from an old nautical term. (You can find out more about it here.)

My pressing questions are these:

• Is this a reasonable change in language that creates a more inclusive environment? What about words like airmanship?
• Or are we trying too hard to protect people’s feelings? Would education not be a better strategy?
• Are we not giving the bad actors of this world all the ammunition they need?