to not reveal a man's wage and (a) woman's age
a man's age and (a|) woman's age (shall|) concern no (soul|individual)
a man's wage and a woman's age (are two factors that|) shall never be revealed

Definition & Meaning of "not reveal a man's wage and (a) woman's age"in English

to not reveal a man's wage and (a) woman's age
01

used to imply that it is impolite or inappropriate to disclose a man's salary or a woman's age in public

ProverbProverb

What is the origin of the proverb "not reveal a man's wage and woman's age" and when to use it?

The origin of the proverb "not reveal a man's wage and a woman's age" is not clearly linked to a specific author or source but is rooted in traditional societal beliefs. It reflects the idea that certain personal details, particularly a man’s salary and a woman’s age, were considered private and potentially problematic if disclosed. The saying suggests that revealing these aspects could lead to judgment or social discomfort. This view is connected to historical gender expectations, where men’s wages were often seen as a measure of their success, and women were pressured to maintain youthful appearances. Today, the proverb is considered outdated, reinforcing gender stereotypes and unnecessary taboos.

example
Examples
As a general rule, it is considered impolite to ask someone about their salary or age, as the proverb goes, ' never reveal a man's wage and woman's age'.
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