On June 27, The Straits Times published an article about a foreign domestic worker who murdered her employer in Singapore.

Subsequently, a discussion among foreign domestic workers in Singapore arose after one of them shared an online article regarding the use of the term "maid" in the headline.

The content, which was shared to a Facebook group for foreign domestic workers in Singapore, argued that the term "maid" is a derogatory one.

Some FDWs do not mind

However, in the comments section of the post, some foreign domestic workers expressed that they do not mind the term:

In fact, one is even proud that she works hard at her profession:

Employer's treatment more important

Others said that their salary and employer's treatment towards them are more important than what they are called:

Others argued that it does not matter, because addressing them otherwise would not make a difference to their lives:

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Some FDWs find it annoying

On the other hand, there were FDWs who would prefer not to be labelled as a "maid":

While another pointed out that only media outlets address them with the term:

However, another comment left by someone who could be Singaporean, explained that the word "maid" took up less space in the headlines, which is why it is used in place of other terms in headlines:

Another person, who is likely local, quoted online encyclopedia Wikipedia as proof that the term "maid" is acceptable:

But just because it's a synonym does not mean it cannot carry any negative connotations.

In addition, at least one employer has come forward to agree that the term is degrading:

Etymology of maid

If you're curious, the same Wikipedia page wrote that the word "maid" is short for "maiden", meaning a girl or an unmarried young woman.

Maids were the second largest category of employment in the Victorian era, and existed as part of the hierarchy in bigger houses.

Domestic workers were expected to remain unemployed while in service, hence the term "maid" from "maiden".

Top image from Nation Employment Agency