Great authors take inordinate care to ensure that they are using exactly the right word for the situation that they are describing, and no doubt they frequently refer to their dictionary and thesaurus. We all know that there’s a huge difference between, say: stride, run, trudge and amble in the image and feeling each word creates in the reader’s head. Words are evocative, and precise words are essential to creating an impression.

Words matter.

That’s why it matters that different words are applied to the same actions or attitudes depending on whether they are performed or held by men or women; or by hetero- or homosexuals. The most obvious example is a person taking charge of a group. For a man to do so is assertive. For a woman, it’s bossy. The second word has a connotation of unpleasantness; of nagging. Or imagine a situation of looking after one’s child. For a mother, it’s caring. For a father, far too often, it’s babysitting. For heterosexuals, getting dressed up and going out is cleaning up nice, but for homosexuals it’s far too often flaunting oneself.

Disparagement of minorities isn’t always overt, or assault, or obviously offensive words. Disparagement is evident in the choice of words we make (or don’t make), which is driven by the same set of societal attitudes that are designed to keep people in their proper (for which, read lower) place.

So the words used to describe women with approval are those which refer to good looks, quiet nature, nurturing and homemaking skills, and the ability to please others, no matter whether that is at the expense of their own physical or mental health. As soon as women step outside that societal expectation, the words change to ones which connote disparagement, or doing something wrongly. Nagging. Bossy. Ballbreaking. Strident. Alternatively – when applied to men: Clear instructions. Assertive. Strong. Orator. See the difference?

Or for people of colour, though I wouldn’t claim to speak for them and they will speak loudly for themselves: the words of approval are those where they work hard and keep their heads down. Disparagement comes when they demand equality, and equal respect.

And so on, and so forth. So when you see an article, or a press conference, describing a woman or minority in terms which would not be applied to a straight white man – ask yourself why?

Because words are a feminist issue. Words are a minority issue.

Words have power. Use them well.

Death in Focus: Passion and photography meet a multimillion dollar cover-up and murder.