The fact that you have been hearing and saying certain words in English for a long time does not really mean that they are correctly used in their proper context. As it is with other languages, it is wrong and equally misleading to misuse and abuse words in English. Many words have been wrongly misused and abused in English, and this stems from either laziness to learn the right usage or just stark ignorance of what really obtains in the language.

For example, the word spinster has been wrongly used by many Nigerians for a very long time. Often times the word is wrongly used to mean the opposite of bachelor. So then, it's not uncommon to hear people say that a single lady, regardless of the age, is a spinster, and when such a person eventually gets married, she is said to have left "spinsterhood". This is very misleading because the dictionary does not define spinster as the opposite of bachelor. Are you shocked reading this?

The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (7th Edition) says that the word spinster is "often disapproving" and defines it as: "a woman who is not married, especially an older woman who is not likely to marry". Then, on how the word should be used, it goes further to explain: "This word should not now be used to mean simply a woman who is not married." So, what then is the opposite of bachelor?

The same dictionary points us to the fact that both the British and American varieties of English have their own individual word used to mean the opposite of bachelor. In British English, the word "bachelor girl" is used, while in American English the word "bachelorette" is used to refer to the same thing. Sounds weird and very unfamiliar, right? The fact that you are unfamiliar with these doesn't mean they aren't correct, and the fact that you're used to calling an unmarried young lady spinster doesn't make it right, either.

Remember that words do have great power to recreate your world. Therefore, my dear sisters out there, don't let anyone call you what God hasn't called you yet. A spinster, in English, simply means AN OLDER WOMAN WHO IS NOT LIKELY TO MARRY. If you are not that older woman who is not likely to marry, please stop calling yourself nor let other people call you what you are not. Be properly advised. Please share if this has made a positive impression on you.

So when the older woman eventually marries what will you call her?

oglalasioux:
So when the older woman eventually marries what will you call her?

what ppl call ur mother