For centuries, “spinster” has been a negative term that refers to an older, unmarried woman in an often pitying, sometimes cruel way. Of course, depending on who you talk to, being an older and unmarried woman is certainly not a tragedy. Still, that doesn’t mean the term “spinster” has become a compliment. However, the label didn't actually start off as an insult. The term “spinster” was first documented in the 14th century, when it was used to describe people who made a living by spinning yarn and thread. Most of the time, these people happened to be women. Weaving and spinning were lower-paying occupations that many single women undertook in an effort to acquire some financial stability. They required little equipment or financial backing, making them accessible to women without husbands or extensive resources. By the 18th century, however, the term had become a legal designation that described single women. It slowly developed its association with “old maids", likely due to patriarchal pressures that encouraged women to marry and demonized those who didn't. Although today the term “spinster” has retained its negative connotations, being single is no longer viewed as a personal failure, but rather a positive, empowering lifestyle choice focused on independence and personal happiness.
