The AP Stylebook for 2016 will be released soon and they are definitely serving up a few updates that we should acquaint ourselves with. For example, starting June 1, you don’t have to capitalize “internet” and “web” anymore which saves us from tapping the shift button on our keyboards.
A few things we like was the move to avoid the use of “mistress” as it doesn’t come with a male equivalent. (Hooray for equality!) Moving forward, we can use “friend,” “companion,” and if applicable, “lover.” “Whenever possible, phrasing that acknowledges both people in the relationship is preferred: ‘The two were romantically (or sexually) involved,’” says the new AP Stylebook.
We should avoid the use of “prostitute” especially when a child or a minor is involved like the use of “child prostitute,” as it gives the readers the idea that the child is giving consent or voluntary trading sex for money, which technically is not allowed.
Also, we are discouraged to use “spree” in a negative context, so no more writing “killing spree” in the future (yes, I’m sorry!) but at least “shopping spree” is still acceptable. Phew!
Be sure to keep these in mind and we’re looking forward to seeing more updates once the Stylebook is published at the end of May this year.
[The Cut, Columbia Journalism Review, and Poynter]
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