The effects of sexist language on the status and self-concept of women is investigated in this paper, with particular emphasis on media sexism. The paper first examines the origin and effects of some of the most common ways in which language is used to reinforce existing sex stereotypes. The paper then discusses: (1) ways to weed out of daily discourse the most common forms of sexist language; (2) sexism in the print media; (3) sexism in the broadcast media; (4) arguments for and against the changing of the language to reflect non-sexist usages; (5) guidelines for change; and (6) evidence of change in American usages. Material for this discussion is taken from published literature filtered through feminist, psychological, and journalistic viewpoints. The paper argues that language molds ideas just as ideas mold the language and that language use must change for improved status and self-concept of women. The conclusion of the paper offers suggestions on how the media can become part of the solution to change language usage. Twenty-seven references are appended. (MS)