Why are machines called "she"?

Question

Why are machines called "she"?

Answer 1

I think it arose many years ago... when the large amount of the workforce was male in engineering, for example.  (BTW, I have a twin sister)  I'm an engineer, so I suspect it arose because there were so few females around... that the males, nicknamed the machines, cars, computers they were working on with female names.  I don't think it arose due to "flaky" computer, or "take care of it"...  but rather, the missing female presence in the overall workday.  

Now compare the workplace of today to say in the 40's and 50's. Thankfully, many more females are present in the workforce, so I suspect, fewer systems, ships, cars are named with "female" names.  (Laugh)  However, don't quote me on that one!

Compare it to the ships in old days, that had female busts/sculpture on the fore of the ship and were often named after a female.  For the most part, the crew was all male and little presence at all on the daily basis for females.  I suspect it's to achieve balance, at the root.  Also, I suspect many were named in reverence of a loved female in the ship owners or captains life (mother, wife, daughter).  If we had more female ownership long ago, I suspect we might have had more ships named with husbands, fathers and sons.

Of course, in lore you will likely find numerous stories of how this came about.  I think the key is, why does it arise in the first place, reverence, tribute, missing someone, rememberance

Answer 2

not just machines, but vehicles.... we refer to them as female because they take care of us.  Treat your car right, and she'll treat you right....

Answer 3

I think it is simply a mark of respect. By referring to the item as female, it will probably get better treatment from the, historically male, operators. Males are protective of female things.

Answer 4

Because they tend to be finicky and break down at inconvenient times. In other words, they tend to display the attributes of a female.

And it is so that when they cause problems the guy will still care about them anyway.

Answer 5

Uhhhhhhhhh Im with storm PWN'D!!!!

Answer 6

Because they are so unpredictable and will often perform in a manner opposite to what is required of them.

Ships are 'She's' because they have to have a Master ...!