On Wednesday, May 27, 2020, the AP Stylebook will release a new print edition of its must-have reference manual. Online subscribers have had access in recent weeks following a virtual panel preview led by AP Stylebook Editor Paula Froke at the ACES: The Society for Editing national conference.
The new entry on gender-neutral language is getting a lot of attention and includes guidance to use terms that can apply to any gender; consider any word or term that has the effect of emphasizing one gender over another, for example “search” instead of “manhunt”; and use terms such as “chair” or “chairperson” unless the -man or -woman terms are specified by an organization.
The latest edition of the AP Stylebook will include more than 200 new and revised entries. Some of the other notable entries previewed during the virtual panel include:
- climate change– The terms global warming and climate change are often used interchangeably, but climate change is the more accurate scientific term to describe the various effects of increasing levels of greenhouse gases on the world because it includes extreme weather, storms, and changes in rainfall patterns, ocean acidification and sea level. Global warming, the increase of average temperature around the world, is one aspect of climate change. The terms climate crisis and climate emergency are used by some scientists, policymakers and others, and are acceptable.
- homeless, homelessness– Homeless is generally acceptable as an adjective to describe people without a fixed residence. Avoid the dehumanizing collective noun the homeless, instead using constructions like homeless people, people without housing or people without homes.
- mistress– Do not use this archaic and sexist term for a woman who is in a long-term sexual relationship with, and is financially supported by, a man who is married to someone else. Instead, use an alternative like companion, friend or lover on first reference and provide additional details later.
- plus symbol– The symbol is acceptable when it is pronounced as part of a company, brand or event name: Disney+, Apple TV+, ESPN+, CompTia Network+.
- preheat– Acceptable to refer to heating an oven to a specific temperature before cooking.
New guidance on sexual abuse and sexual assault is also included. The entry says to proceed with care when using these terms, and to pay close attention to legal definitions, which vary by jurisdiction.
AP Stylebook Product Manager Colleen Newvine also announced at the ACES meeting that future print editions of the AP Stylebook will be published less frequently to focus on the flagship AP Stylebook Online. The shift to printing a stylebook every other year comes as more users subscribe to the digital product, which is updated continually throughout the year.
The AP Stylebook is the definitive resource for journalists and a must-have reference for writers, editors, students and professionals, providing fundamental guidelines for spelling, language, punctuation, usage and journalistic style.