English

Athena

Proper noun

Athena

1. (Greek mythology) The goddess of wisdom, especially strategic warfare, the arts, and especially crafts, in particular, weaving; daughter of Zeus and Metis. Her Roman counterpart is Minerva.

Coordinate terms

• (Eternal Virgin Goddesses): Minerva, Artemis/Diana, Hestia/Vesta

Derived terms

• Athena Polias
• Athens

Translations

Noun

Athena ‎(plural Athenas)

1. (feminism, derogatory) A woman who colludes with the patriarchy rather than actively opposing it.
   • 1989, Jennifer Barker Woolger, Roger J. Woolger, The goddess within

     The last thing feminist Athenas see about corporate structures, government, or academia is that they are run by benevolent and all-protective fathers.

   • 1992, Marilyn Frye, Willful virgin: essays in feminism, 1976-1992 (page 141)

     The latter may become either Athenas or feminists. If one gets a certain sort of male sponsorship, becomes a Daddy's girl, one is allowed to function in these vocations of the righteous […]

   • 1995, Noretta Koertge (in Skeptical Inquirer, volume 19, number 2, page 42)

     Women who do decide to become scientists find themselves under attack from the self-proclaimed "echt" feminists, who call them "Athenas" and "Queen Bees."

Anagrams

• Anthea