gender/connector

The "gender" of a connector refers to whether it plugs into something (male), or is plugged into (female), by analogy with reproductive organs.

An adapter to allow two connectors of the same "gender" to connect is, therefore, often colloquially referred to as a "gender mender".

The "male/female" terminology is now considered somewhat socially insensitive (depending on context), with "plug" and "socket" (or "receptacle") being preferred, but there does not seem to be a serviceable replacement for the overall concept of connector "gender".

Links

• Wikipedia