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Glite Dictionary
Barbiefication of women

Barbiefication of women

9.9
Treating women as if they must look like Barbie dolls
  • noun
  • /ˌbɑːrbiˈfɪkeɪʃən əv ˈwɪmɪn/
  • Offensive
: barbieficación de la mujer [ofensivo]
  • Her documentary explores the lasting effects of the Barbiefication of women on young girls' self-esteem.

Examples

  • The fashion industry has been accused of promoting the Barbiefication of women through advertising.

  • Many critics argue that the Barbiefication of women contributes to unrealistic beauty standards in society.

  • The Barbiefication of women is harmful.

  • Many critics argue that the Barbiefication of women damages self-esteem.

  • Numerous studies show the impact of Barbiefication of women on mental health and body image in adolescents.

  • The Barbiefication of women in media leads many to believe they must conform to narrow beauty ideals.

  • Experts warn that the Barbiefication of women contributes to harmful stereotypes and expectations.

Surface Forms

Barbiefication of women singular
Barbiefications of women plural

Morphology

Barbiefication + of + woman

The headword is a creative coinage built from the proper name 'Barbie' plus a derivational suffix meaning 'process/state of becoming', and the phrase 'of women' makes the target clear. However, it requires cultural knowledge of Barbie and some morphological awareness of the suffix '-fication' (a non-basic element for many B1 learners), so the meaning is partially inferable but not fully predictable.

Etymology

Barbiefication of women comes from the image of Barbie dolls, with perfect, plastic bodies and fixed smiles used as a model for real women. So, 'Barbiefication of women' means showing or treating women to match these 'unrealistic beauty standards'.