An excellent exploration of words that we use for anything women-related without really thinking where those words came from. This book invites the reader to stop and think, to pay attention, to investigate their own beliefs and prejudices, and to become at least just a bit more interested in language instead of simply using it as it is. Great read for all lovers of feminism, history and linguistics, highly recommended.

A truly enjoyable and accessible trip through the etymology of a wealth of "women's words". I'm a linguistics nerd, so I enjoyed the research side of things immensely, but I think this would also be a really interesting read for anyone coming at it from a less etymological background, because it delves into history, politics, feminism, and so much more - the language we use really does shape our opinions and experiences. Utterly fascinating.

A fascinating exploration of language and how it's evolved and been used regarding Women.
Jenni Nuttal has put in hours and hours of research which is evident with the broad spectrum of language covered in this book.

A really interesting insight into the history of the English language, focusing on words used to define or describe women. Divided into themed chapters, Nuttall explores the social and etymological history of the female experience over the centuries, examining how language shapes the world just as the world shapes our language. There's a lot packed in to this book, and it doesn't always unfurl as you'd expect.

Engaging, enjoyable and illuminating, Mother Tongue is a brilliant non-fiction book for anyone interested in language, history and womanhood.

A fascinating foray into the world of language, specifically around where the language we use to talk about women and describe their worlds comes from. This is broken into chapters that focus on things from the basics of why women are called women to their bodies, their jobs and their relationships. Nuttall uses her expertise as a lecturer in early languages and her own experiences as a woman and mother to give a rounded, thoughtful and engaging exploration of how language shapes our world and our world shapes our language.

An absolute gem of a book this is a treasure trove on a number of levels.
It is a very comprehensive guide to what is is to be a woman through the historical ages giving sympathetic, accurate and honest accounts of the various life stages, triumphs and obstacles. This alone makes a compelling and thought provoking read but the examination of the words used in relation to women is eye opening and fascinating and the derivative and function of such language gives even greater insight into how women were viewed over time in a, perhaps surprisingly, non linear journey into enlightenment and modern times.
I can’t really do this justice enough so I urge you to read it yourself, this will stay with me for a long time.

Mother Tongue delves into the history of women’s words, ranging from terminology to describe women’s bodies, menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, work, gender, and male harassment and violence.

It highlights the etymology of words we use now and those which fell out of fashion (I wish flowers as term for period hadn’t ended this way). It looks at different interpretations and how the words have altered their meaning through the years, words and cultures mostly shaped by men.

A great book for anyone who enjoys language and/or women’s history, which is once again being highlighted after centuries of neglect by historians pandering to patriarchal society. I thoroughly enjoyed it.