Pronunciation: [dɪstˈaf] (IPA) 
The word "distaff" refers to a stick or spindle used in spinning wool or flax. It is often used in reference to female-oriented tasks or professions. The spelling of "distaff" is irregular, with the -aff ending pronounced with a short "a" sound, like "cat" (IPA: /æf/). This is different from other words that end in "aff," such as "staff" or "raff," which are pronounced with a long "a" sound like "cake" (IPA: /eɪf/).
Distaff is a term with multiple meanings depending on the context. As a noun, it historically refers to a staff, usually made of wood, onto which fibers or threads are wound for spinning wool or other materials, particularly by women. It symbolizes domesticity, female work, and the traditional role of women in society. In this sense, the word is often used figuratively to represent the female gender or the female line of a family.
More commonly, the adjective "distaff" is employed to describe activities or occupations that are traditionally associated with women. For example, household chores, sewing, cooking, or child-rearing are considered distaff duties. This term emphasizes the traditional division of labor between genders and the prevailing gender roles in various societies throughout history.
By extension, "distaff" can also be used metaphorically to characterize something as being feminine in nature, or pertaining to women specifically. It can describe literature, art, or any creative work associated with and primarily intended for women.
In brief, "distaff" serves as a reminder of traditional gender roles and the tasks historically assigned to women. Its historical use relates to the staff used for spinning thread, highlighting the association with women's labor. Today, the term commonly emphasizes female-oriented or female-dominated work, or it can be employed metaphorically to describe women or things associated with them.
The word "distaff" finds its origin in Old English. The term is derived from the Old English word "distæf", which consists of "dis" meaning "bunch of flax" and "staef" meaning "stick". In ancient times, a distaff was a tool used in spinning, particularly for holding flax or wool. The term "distaff" eventually came to be associated with women's work or women in general, as spinning was traditionally considered a task performed by women. Over time, "distaff" came to be used metaphorically to refer to the female branch of a family or the maternal line. Today, the term is uncommonly used outside of specific contexts or expressions.
