The term 'stocko' is one that has been a part of the South African slang dictionary for quite a while now.
For those who don’t know, it refers to a woman or women who are identified as being available for the pleasure and entertainment of men.
In winter, the ideal 'stocko' is someone plus-sized.
READ MORE: Don't ever call me or any other woman stocko
It’s a tasteless word that Lineo Mabulu (@felacouchie on Twitter) describes as “misogynistic language that dehumanises women as objects”. Now, add “winter” to it and it becomes a derogatory masterpiece.
A rare video of your winter stocko : pic.twitter.com/PoxC1WEnHc
— Gucci (@st_teebo) June 2, 2018
Following the countless posts I’ve seen about how plus-size women are the preference now that the days are colder, anyone who believes that viewing a particular women’s figure as a seasonal preference is problematic.
@celiwe09 It is, because it refers to women with a certain body type. Which is like treating those people like a seasonal fruit. Derogatory.
— Thokozani (@elninotoz) June 5, 2018
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It is an insult to plus-size women that their bodies are heralds of winter based on the idea that their bodies generate more heat, as much as it is an insult to slender women that their bodies are less capable of doing the same. Ultimately the biggest indignity is the reality that women are still being identified as men’s playthings, to be swapped and changed whenever it suits them.
And especially disheartening when other women perpetuate the idea.
"Sho mabhebheza" "winter stocko" "Its your season now" ???? pic.twitter.com/wavv0TA8rH
— Grateful. (@Wanndee_) April 16, 2017
How a person could simultaneously objectify and body-shame a woman is beyond me. The idea that a woman is only good for a particular season, social environment, or purpose is one that needs to be done away with. And whether you’re a plus-size woman or not, there is no justifying the fact that you are someone’s booty-call based on the weather and the stereotypes around your body's capacity to generate heat.
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