Dikke Van Dale adds 'vulvalippen' to Dutch dictionary

The Dutch dictionary Dikke Van Dale announced that it will add the term “vulvalippen” to its entries, following a multi‑year campaign by the activist groups Dolle Mina and Schaamteloos. The groups argue that the existing word “schaamlippen” carries a negative connotation that reinforces stigma around the female body. The late sexologist Ellen Laan had also advocated for the anatomically correct term. Both words will remain in the dictionary, but “vulvalippen” will receive an official status when the online edition is updated, expected in the autumn of 2026.

Activists such as Dolle Mina member Esther van der Valk welcomed the change, noting that many gynecologists already use the term while many women still feel a barrier to saying it. “Mensen zijn nu gewend aan het woord schaamlippen. Daardoor voelt vulvalippen voor sommigen nog onwennig,” she said. The addition is seen as a step toward normalising language about the body and breaking taboos, especially for children and young people, who should be taught the correct terminology from an early age.