Dictionary to update misgoyny definition after Gillard speech

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard's speech on sexism has forced a dictionary to broaden the definition of the word "misogyny".

Gillard, who is currently on a three-day visit to India, last week accused Opposition Leader Tony Abbott of sexism and misogyny during a speech to parliament.

Macquarie Dictionary has now announced it is broadening the definition of the word "misogyny", reported Herald Sun citing the Australian Associated Press.

The reference book says misogyny is a hatred of women, the kind that's pathological. But editor Sue Butler says it's time that changed to reflect what Gillard really meant. Gillard's speech had gone viral.

"We decided that we had the basic definition, hatred of women, but that's not how misogyny has been used for about the last 20, 30 years, particularly in feminist language," Butler told ABC radio.

"Sexist does seem to be moving towards this description of surface features and misogynist applies to the underlying attitude."

Butler said that misogyny was like sexism, with a "stronger edge to it".
Gillard's speech had followed an attempt by the opposition to sack Speaker Peter Slipper, who eventually resigned over a series of sexist text messages.