Master/mistress

efreysson · May 26, 2017

(No, this is not a BDSM thing)

I'm wondering about titles in my space opera setting. I have a female protagonist who becomes the grand master of an order, but should that be "grand mistress"? Is mistress used in that context, or is master a genderless title in this situation?

I also have "sword master" as an occupation, ie. people who train others in fencing. Does "sword mistress" work here, for the ladies?

cornflake · May 26, 2017

Ask Mr. Saavik.

I mean... we're moving away from that language currently. Would people in your space opera be using it? I dunno, it's your thing but that'd be my consideration.

Cindyt · May 26, 2017

Well, since Master denotes male, I'd say Mistress. Plus, I googled it and surfed onto a fantasy with a Grand Mistress in the title.

Ari Meermans · May 26, 2017

efreysson said:
(No, this is not a BDSM thing)

I'm wondering about titles in my space opera setting. I have a female protagonist who becomes the grand master of an order, but should that be "grand mistress"? Is mistress used in that context, or is master a genderless title in this situation?

I also have "sword master" as an occupation, ie. people who train others in fencing. Does "sword mistress" work here, for the ladies?

I, too, would probably go with a genderless title for the head of the order, especially if anyone can rise to that position.

In the second instance, you're referring to the designation given someone who has reached a consummate level of skill (mastery), so I'd go with "sword master."

Now, those are just my opinions.

AW Admin · May 26, 2017

In terms of trades, particularly recently, Master is used as a non-gendered title. I am a Web master; not a Web mistress.

If you want to avoid the issue somewhat, you can use Magister, the Latin ancestor of Modern English master.

Master/mistress

efreysson

Closer than ever

cornflake

practical experience, FTW

Cindyt

Gettin wiggy wit it

Ari Meermans

MacAllister's Official Minion & Greeter

AW Admin