Senhor

/seɪnˈjɔːr/ noun

Definition

A Portuguese or Spanish title of respect for a man, equivalent to 'mister' or 'sir' in English.

Etymology

From Portuguese/Spanish 'senhor/señor' (from Latin 'senior,' meaning elder or superior). The title evolved from age-based hierarchy to general respect, becoming the standard form of address for men in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking cultures.

Kelly Says

Most Romance languages have gendered titles (señor/señora, monsieur/madame) that encode the assumption that everyone has a gender and marital status. These words are slowly changing as language users resist these categories—a subtle way languages are being revolutionized.

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