Why the Dutch Are Adding a New Word for Labia to Combat Body Shaming

Introducing Vulvalippen: A Language Revolution

Imagine seeing the words "shame lips" on your medical notes. In Dutch, that's exactly what you'd see if you looked up the traditional term for labia – schaamlippen, which literally means "shame lips." For some women in the Netherlands, this term is more than just a linguistic quirk; it's a reminder of how language can perpetuate shame and stigma.

Last month, the authoritative Dutch dictionary Dikke van Dale announced that it would include a new anatomically correct term for labia – vulvalippen – in its upcoming online edition. The move is part of a broader cultural shift toward body positivity and gender-neutral language.

This isn't just about semantics; it's a deeply personal and political act. As Shari Klein, one of the founders of the Schaamteloos campaign (meaning "shameless"), explains:

"Language shapes how we see ourselves. It's crucial people have a more neutral, anatomically correct word – not a word that links to shame, whether consciously or sub-consciously."

Why Words Matter in Health and Society

The campaign isn't new, but the dictionary's endorsement signals a potential turning point. Esther Van der Valk from the feminist group Dolle Mina says it's about sex positivity, reducing body shaming, and giving women more agency over their own narratives.

The Dutch movement echoes similar efforts across Europe. In Germany, journalists Gunda Windmüller and Mithu Sanyal launched a petition in 2018 to replace Shamlippen with Vulvalippen. While the German dictionary hasn't adopted it yet, they've noticed the term gaining traction in media, school textbooks, and even women's magazines.

In Sweden, a similar shift occurred when a new word for hymen – slidkrans, meaning vaginal corona – was added to academic dictionaries. This move aimed to dispel myths around virginity and emphasize that the hymen is not a seal but rather folds of tissue that vary widely among individuals.

The Dutch campaign is part of a global trend that challenges outdated language. In the UK, feminist podcast host Nicola Denson-Elliott started a petition to replace "hysterectomy" – once associated with hysteria in women – with "uterectomy." She argues that medical terms should be anatomically accurate and free from emotional baggage.

The Role of Language in Medical Practice

Linguistics researcher Dr. Beth Malory cautions against rushing into new language without thorough research.

"Will people understand uterectomy? Is simply saying removal of the womb better?"

she asks. The concern is valid – any new terminology must be clear and universally understood to prevent confusion in medical settings.

That said, doctors are starting to take note. Obstetrician Dr. Brooke Vandermolen, who runs a practice on Instagram, has moved away from terms like "incompetent cervix" and "failure to progress," which she feels can make patients feel blamed for medical complications.

"Language is incredibly important and the words we choose can show recognition and make people feel validated and seen,"

she emphasizes. Her experience underscores how language can either empower or disempower individuals, especially during vulnerable moments in their lives.

From Medical Jargon to Social Change

The Netherlands' decision to include vulvalippen reflects a growing awareness that medical terminology should reflect respect and dignity. This isn't just a debate about definitions – it's a conversation about power dynamics, body autonomy, and the ways society constructs ideas around femininity.

By replacing terms steeped in shame with more neutral and accurate language, the Dutch are not only updating their dictionaries but also reshaping expectations around women's health. This change encourages healthcare providers to speak more respectfully with patients, which could have long-term benefits for mental health and trust in medical institutions.

The movement also highlights how social change often starts at the grassroots level. From marches in the Netherlands to petitions in Germany and Sweden, these campaigns are pushing back against language that reduces complex human experiences to judgmental or clinical shorthand.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sex-Positive Language

While it's still early days for the adoption of vulvalippen, the hope is that it will gradually influence how doctors, educators, and even patients talk about female anatomy. The broader goal isn't just to change a few words – it's to foster a more inclusive, empathetic approach to discussing women's bodies.

This shift has implications far beyond language. It's a step toward dismantling harmful myths, reducing body shaming, and promoting sexual health literacy. As we continue to see language evolve in response to social awareness, one thing remains clear: the words we use matter.

In the end, what's being celebrated isn't just a dictionary update – it's a reclamation of bodily autonomy, a celebration of diversity, and an assertion that women deserve to feel seen and respected, not ashamed or judged. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a parent, a student, or simply someone who cares about dignity, this change in language reflects a broader commitment to respect, inclusion, and empathy.