Hi again, MG!

Traditionally both bachelor and spinster relate to occupation, don't they? Somebody (I think Bill) has already mentioned that "spinster" only became derogatory when applied to old maids - the implication being that they were undesirable as wives. Incidentally I'll bet the derogatory usage was created as much by women as men

How about just "maiden"?
As long as you're making the (archaic) virginal component optional, Bill..

how about just "eligible"
Hmmm, nice. "S/he's an eligiblee"


In Shrek the magic mirror presents the princesses as bachelorettes . Is that tongue-in-cheek or in some sense a standard usage over the Pond?