To most people, metaphors are devices used mostly in literary contexts to make a comparison between two object. However, it should be noted that metaphors are often used in simple human interactions, such as the calling of pet names for one another. George Lakoff, a leading researching in the field of linguistics, argues that metaphors “are pervasive in everyday life, not just in language but in thought and action” (Lakoff and Johnson, 1980). In this case, people use metaphors to understand new concepts without noticing it. Perhaps, this can explain the usage of food metaphors for women and men in society. Though they are thought of as harmless and affectionate, food metaphors for women and men can create a power difference between individuals.
…show more content…
As deserts, women are thought of as what can be eaten after the main course. Sometimes, desert is not even necessary or eaten, implying that women are insignificant. Because deserts are associated with sweetness and delicacy, the desert metaphor also reinforces the image of women as sweet and delicate – something that needs to be taken care of. However, the associations of desert metaphors with sweetness can be misleading because these metaphors are often used to indicate women as objects of lust. The terms pie, tart, and cake often suggests sexual promiscuity, availability and …show more content…
Already, this indicates that there is a double standard within society, showing that in terms of food metaphors, women are sexualized and objectified more than men. Additionally, while food metaphors for women are usually deserts, food metaphors for men are usually associated with meat and savory food items. Terms such as meathead, angus, beefcake, and beefy are used to refer to men who are traditionally masculine (i.e., muscular and physically strong). Meat is generally seen as a food type that is eaten everyday and in almost every meal. This insinuates that men are more important and play a more significant role in society than women. Since deserts are eaten after the main meal, it can also be said that women are seen as secondary and inferior to
As deserts, women are thought of as what can be eaten after the main course. Sometimes, desert is not even necessary or eaten, implying that women are insignificant. Because deserts are associated with sweetness and delicacy, the desert metaphor also reinforces the image of women as sweet and delicate – something that needs to be taken care of. However, the associations of desert metaphors with sweetness can be misleading because these metaphors are often used to indicate women as objects of lust. The terms pie, tart, and cake often suggests sexual promiscuity, availability and …show more content…
Already, this indicates that there is a double standard within society, showing that in terms of food metaphors, women are sexualized and objectified more than men. Additionally, while food metaphors for women are usually deserts, food metaphors for men are usually associated with meat and savory food items. Terms such as meathead, angus, beefcake, and beefy are used to refer to men who are traditionally masculine (i.e., muscular and physically strong). Meat is generally seen as a food type that is eaten everyday and in almost every meal. This insinuates that men are more important and play a more significant role in society than women. Since deserts are eaten after the main meal, it can also be said that women are seen as secondary and inferior to