Why the Dutch dictionary is adding a new word for labia

The Netherlands has introduced a brand-new term for the labia, as campaigners are looking to replace language that’s outdated and linked to shame.

Last month, the leading Dutch dictionary, Dikke van Dale, announced that it would be including the anatomically correct terminology, ‘vulvalippen,’ in its upcoming online addition, alongside the traditional term ‘schaamlippen’.

For those who are unfamiliar, ‘schmaamlippen’ is the word that most Dutch women learn to describe their vulva, but its literal translation is ‘shame lips'. Yes, really.

It’s a word, among others, that campaigners have been trying to change for years, in order to move away from misogynistic and inappropriate terms for women’s bodies, health, and sexuality.

As reported by the BBC, another is ‘schaamhaar ’, which translates to pubic or shame hair, ‘schaambeen’, which translates to ‘pubic or shame bone’, and ‘schaamluis’, which is used to describe pubic lice.

It poses the sad question of how on Earth women are supposed to feel comfortable in their bodies if the very words describing their anatomy are telling them they shouldn’t be?

'Schmaamlippen’ literally translates to ‘shame lips' (Getty Stock Image)

The Schaamteloos Campaign is a Dutch movement that’s aiming to remove stigmatizing and shame-based words for female anatomy from the Dutch language.

The group explains on their website: “This use of language can have a negative impact on how we view our bodies and the bodies of others. Why should we feel shame about something that is completely natural?

“Language evolves and is constantly in motion. The words we use should not hold us back, but rather propel us forward. A language should align with how our society and culture continue to develop.”

Shari Klein, one of the founders, told the BBC: "It's crucial people have a more neutral, anatomically correct word - not a word that links to shame, whether consciously or subconsciously.”

The outlet reports that the campaign's next steps are to get doctors and officials to use ‘vulvalippen’ in leaflets and consultations rather than ‘schaamlippen’.

Reacting to the welcome news that ‘vulvalippen’ is being added to the dictionary, one Dutch Instagram user wrote: “As a Dutch-speaking citizen I never understood where the word 'schaam' came from when we referred to those part of a human body. Why is 'pubic hair' in Dutch translated as 'shame hair'? Why is the 'pubic mound' in my language a 'shame hill'? And why is the whole 'genital area' called 'shame area'?"

The new term will appear in the Dutch documentary (Getty Stock Image)

They continued: "I am happy it is being changed: there is literally nothing to be ashamed of.”

A second agreed: “Words matter. Language matters. It is how we speak to others and how we speak to ourselves in our head. Just think of how you can judge yourself. It has impact on how you feel and act.

“So these small changes, like changing ‘shame’ lips to vulva lips can have a huge impact. I’m a Dutch woman and I’m very happy with this and I know many other women who agree!”

While a third penned: “Dear people, it's year 2026 and there is seriously absolutely no reason for shame of body parts, and such ancient terms should disappear from the culture forever. Well done Dutch! in German language there is the same word.”

Hear, hear!