Womyn (plural noun).
wi-min / wi-men/ ; rhymes with swimmin ; -myn as in fin
Definition: a group of adult female persons who reside in a supportive,
close-knit community.
Attested: I was first acquainted with this word upon my arrival to Balch
Hall in August 1999, as it was written on a poster welcoming
the
new female residents on campus.
Example: The timid Sally was surrounded by a friendly group of womyn
at her college dorm, which in turn helped her adjust to her
new surroundings with ease.
Etymology: Though this term is commonly used in the English language
with the suffix, -an, the word in its varied form expresses
a
sentiment of true feminism. In todays age, when females
wish
to emphasize their newfound independence and
distinctiveness,
this term is used because its suffix does not include the
letters,
m-e-n. Feminists who believe in gender equality and
similar opportunities for both sexes, can be heard saying
this
term, both on and off the Cornell campus. Some females
think
that this usage is absurd, considering the fact that a
spelling
alteration is not the true method to obtain gender
equality.
Some males, on the other hand, find it interesting that
they are
the cause of this word alteration.
- Randi Dublin