Are words like 'supermum' and 'girl boss' doing women more harm than good?

Labels such as "supermum" and "girl boss" may initially appear empowering, but experts warn they can set unrealistic expectations that leave women feeling inadequate. Dr Natalie Games, a senior clinical psychologist, explains that while these terms originally conveyed encouragement, they have become overused and may inadvertently foster perfectionism and conditional self-worth.

When women believe they must constantly excel and appear resilient, they become more vulnerable to burnout, anxiety, shame, and self-criticism. Dr Grace Loh, a psychotherapist and executive coach, warns that superlative labels create an unattainable benchmark of a woman who is always composed, productive, and endlessly capable. This can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and depression, particularly among women who already have high standards for themselves.

However, the impact of such language is not uniform; Dr Annabelle Chow, a clinical psychologist, notes that women are more likely to experience both the benefits and burdens of superlative language because they are often the targets of identity-based expectations. These labels reflect cultural ideals that demand women excel across multiple domains simultaneously, creating a "double bind" where they may be penalized either way.

While superlative language can be positive when used in a supportive context among friends, it becomes harmful when it becomes a prescription for how women must live every day.