Ms
The origin and history of Ms.
Etymology
Used since the 1600s as a shortened form of "mistress" (the same root that gave us "Miss" and "Mrs."). It became widely popular in 1971 after the launch of Ms. magazine, as a way to address women without publicising their marital status.
Class of 1971
Ms first entered the language around 1971. Other words from the same year:
See the full Class of 1971 →