Man-flu
A term suggesting that men overreact to illness compared to women. This term may be heard in the work place when discussing absences and health.
Why it matters
This is a sexist phrase which may have an adverse affect of encouraging people to unnecessarily come into work when unwell, for fear of being labelled in a stereotypical way as an exaggerator. Some studies show the female immune system may be stronger due to higher levels of progesterone and oestrogen. Irrespective, this phrase suggests an inaccurate generalisation that even if symptoms are of similar severity, one sex would complain more presently than the other.
Instead try saying:
Further External Reading Link