The most offensive word for women is not even a swear word.

It was the word that stopped the podcast.

The word that everyone is talking about today.

The word that is SO offensive, that yesterday I was death stared at by Susan Carland, given a dressing down by Mia Freedman, and then sent this text message by a favourite work colleague.

It’s an everyday word and I have to confess: I had no idea it was even bad.  Here’s what happened when I referred to one of the women I work with as ‘mumsy’:

When I think of the word ‘mumsy’ I think of someone kind and friendly. Someone warm with an essence about them that’s wonderful. Someone you want to hug, who is a kindred spirit, a nurturing female. Like my mum. Or, Sarah Macdonald.

But apparently the connotation of “mumsy” is someone frumpy, fat and dowdy who has a fat arse, wears mum jeans and cardigans and has a bad haircut.

I had no idea.

So, sorry everyone. I’m mentally adding it to the list of things I can’t use to describe women: hot, skinny, sexy, fat, nice, tired, mumsy.

The full episode of this week’s podcast is here. It’s the kind of show where you learn something every time. Like in future, how maybe I’ll just stick to names.

You can download it it itunes here, listen in Soundcloud or download the file to your computer. 

Podcasts are totally free. And they don’t take up massive bandwidth on your phone. So they’re a great way to keep up to date with things when you can’t be in front of the computer.

If you want to listen at home/at the gym/while walking the dog, here’s the easy way to get them.

Do you hate the word mumsy?