Primogeniture

Did you ever notice that every year “they” add new words to the dictionary? You never hear about words that are retired no matter how arcane they might be. I do know that there are actual dictionaries of obscure terms but it seems like old words don’t get deleted (as Taylor Swift would say) ever. Some words do fall out of popular favor and others just need to go because they are used as slurs and obscenities. Primogeniture, my word for today, is neither a slur nor obscene exactly. It’s a term used to describe an exclusive right of inheritance belonging to the eldest son. Obviously some guy thought of this and turned it into law in places with royal families. I, for one, am glad the Queen of England has decided to get rid of it. If the newest royal baby to be is a boy he is automatically a Prince. If the newest member to be of the royal family is a girl she couldn't be a Princess or inherit the throne with Primogeniture. Her title would be “Lady.” Primogeniture reserves the privileges of inheritance and title for male heirs unless (as in the Queen’s case) there are no male heirs. Either way I think it is time for Primogeniture to go. Furthermore I think (since it will never be deleted from the dictionary) Primogeniture needs an opposite, something for the girls, like Primadonniture.