The word female is not related to the word male, as is commonly believed. It ultimately derives from the Latin word femella, which means "a girl or young woman." Male comes from another Latin word, mas, which became masaulus and then masclus in Latin and finally masle and then male in French, from which it came into the English as male.
Have you ever wondered where about the derivative of these two standard scientific symbols for the female and the male?
- The female symbol is the representation of a hand mirror and is associated with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty; it also serves as the symbol of the planet Venus (the Roman equivalent of Aphrodite).
- The male symbol represents the shield and spear of Mars, the Roman god of war; it also serves as the symbol of the planet Mars.
For a funny clip of the differences between female and male brains, check out this video. I especially like the "nothing box" segment. But that's not really so guys, now is it?