man-hater

The term "man-hater" is a colloquial label used to describe a person—almost exclusively a woman—who exhibits misandry, defined as an intense dislike, contempt, or ingrained prejudice against men. While the concept of misandry has Greek etymological roots, the specific English compound "man-hater" became culturally prominent in the 19th and 20th centuries. Historically, it emerged as a common trope in media and political cartoons to caricature suffragettes and later, second-wave feminists. These depictions often portrayed women advocating for political rights or social equality as bitter spinsters motivated by personal animosity toward males rather than a desire for justice.

Perspectives on the term are sharply divided. Those who use the term typically argue that it is a necessary descriptor for individuals who express genuine bigotry or generalized hostility toward men, distinct from the pursuit of gender equality. From this viewpoint, it identifies a specific form of prejudice. Conversely, critics and linguists often categorize the term as a "thought-terminating cliché" used to delegitimize feminist discourse. Opponents argue that the label is frequently weaponized to dismiss valid critiques of patriarchy or male violence by framing structural analysis as personal pathology. In this context, calling someone a "man-hater" is seen as a silencing tactic designed to police women's anger and conflate the desire for liberation with the hatred of the dominant group.

Example:
"During the debate, he attempted to discredit her statistical evidence on the wage gap by dismissing her as just another bitter man-hater."

Example:
"The character was written as a stereotypical man-hater, refusing to interact with any male characters regardless of their behavior."