Letter: `Woman' is such a rude word

Sir: I am with Marie Paterson 100 per cent (letter, 1 October). The first culture shock today's British traveller gets when flying to the United States is to be greeted by the signs on the lavatory doors - "Men" and "Women" - at JFK airport. I am definitely a lady, and have been for nearly 70 years. Furthermore, I would not dream of referring to my faithful Mrs Mopp as a "cleaning woman". "Woman", in my English usage, is rude and derogatory.

JUNE TATHAM

London SW3