The Scripps National Spelling Bee is making headlines after its list of study words for third-graders surfaced online.
The study lists, found on school district websites, include “womyn” as an acceptable alternative spelling for “women.” This term, often tied to feminist contexts, is now part of the vocabulary for young competitors.
To qualify for the national competition, schools must be enrolled in the Scripps National Spelling Bee program. The 2025 National Finals, marking the competition’s 100th anniversary, will take place next May.
A Scripps spokesperson explained to Fox News that the list draws from the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary. “All of the words used in the Scripps National Spelling Bee program are pulled from our official dictionary,” the spokesperson said.
They added, “During competition, our policy is to accept any correct spelling listed in our official dictionary that isn’t marked archaic or obsolete. The alternate spelling ‘womyn’ is therefore included on our study list.”
Merriam-Webster defines “womyn” as a variant spelling used in feminist contexts to avoid the “men” suffix. The inclusion of the term in the spelling bee’s study list sparked criticism online.
“You can’t make this up,” posted LibsofTikTok to her 3.8 million followers on X, drawing hundreds of comments. Turning Point USA reacted, “You have to be kidding.”
Another X user quipped, “Omg the @TheBabylonBee skit came true,” sharing a parody sketch about a spelling bee debate over defining “woman.” The sketch referenced Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s remarks during her 2022 confirmation hearings.