Suffragist vs. Suffragette

Dear Ms. Osborn,

Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

In the U.S. woman suffrage movement, it's "suffragist." Although the two terms are used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing. In fact, "suffragette" was a derogatory term for suffragists. Suffragists in the UK embraced the term for their movement, but only a small minority of American suffragists did - to most it was an insult.

If you want to know more, please check out: https://www.nps.gov/articles/suffragistvssuffragette.htm

We hope this information is helpful.

Hi Kelly,

Thanks for your question! We wanted to provide a little more information for answering your question.

The simple distinction is: a “suffragette” refers to those involved in the British movement for a woman’s right to vote. A “suffragist” refers to those involved in the U.S. movement for a woman’s right to vote. However, the term “suffragette” was sometimes used in the United States, often by those opposed to women’s suffrage, to mark someone as a more radical supporter of a woman’s right to vote. For more see the following links:

• https://www.nps.gov/articles/suffragistvssuffragette.htm
• https://www.utahwomenshistory.org/2019/10/suffragettes-or-suffragists-the-difference-explained/

Hope that helps!

National Women’s History Museum
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www.womenshistory.org