Much has been made in feminist rhetoric of what have been called sexist metaphors and terms, and though this push for linguistic change is indicative of a positive cultural shift taking place, it misses the mark. Such a motion for language reform is indicative of positive changes on the horizon, but the movement is in many ways artificial and is destined to get us no further than where we stand today. But there is a very relevant linguistic perspective on women's issues. Etymology offers insight to the development of our language and, in many cases, our culture. Looking at how word meanings have been shaped unintentionally by the speakers who use them is far more edifying than tinkering with a pronoun here, a Ms. there.
Semantic change is difficult to explain and impossible to predict, even for linguists.
Language as complex as the culture in which it lives. The term was thus first used to denote informal or homely dress and then to refer to intellectual, literary, or learned women. It later became a term of abuse, with connotations of 'snob' and 'misfit'. Madam - This used to be simply a polite form of address for women but now means the female head of a house of prostitution. It was later used to refer to a woman who is overly priggish or modest.