Don’t call me ‘mumsy’ – the contempt behind that word makes me livid | Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett

It means to be drab, homely or old-fashioned – ‘motherly’, essentially. Why can’t we have some respect for mothers, instead of deriding them? A recent newspaper headline – “Sorry Radley! These dated handbag brands will make you look mumsy – here’s where stylish A-listers and Royals are shopping instead” – reminded me of a word I despise: “mumsy”. My list of words that make me want to throw things is varied and long, but “mumsy” is near the top. The quality of being mumsy means to be drab, ho