At a Glance
- Oprah Winfrey praised the term “partner” as more mature than “girlfriend”
- She has called longtime companion Stedman Graham her partner for decades
- The word choice gained attention after Timothée Chalamet referred to Kylie Jenner as his partner
Why it matters: Oprah’s endorsement reinforces a cultural shift toward more respectful relationship language
Oprah Winfrey is championing the word “partner” as the gold standard for describing romantic relationships. During a Jan. 13 appearance on News Of Philadelphia‘s TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle, the media icon explained why she has long favored the term over alternatives like “girlfriend” or “boyfriend.”
The conversation stemmed from a recent GQ article examining why men increasingly call their girlfriends their “partner.” The trend gained momentum after actor Timothée Chalamet referred to Kylie Jenner as his partner when accepting an award at the Critics Choice Awards, repeating the designation during his Golden Globes acceptance speech.
Oprah’s Case for ‘Partner’
Oprah’s endorsement carries weight because she has practiced what she preaches. She has referred to Stedman Graham as her partner for years, well before the term became popularized.
“You know why I like the word ‘partner’? Because it’s mature,” Oprah told the hosts. “It says that it’s a mature, it’s a stable relationship. It’s not just like ‘my girlfriend.’ ‘Cause you have a girlfriend when you’re 7, when you’re 10, when you’re 15. So ‘partner’ adds a level of maturity and responsibility.”
The talk show legend argues that “partner” conveys a deeper level of commitment than casual relationship labels.
The Language of Commitment
Oprah’s explanation resonated with co-host Sheinelle Jones, who expanded on the implications of the word choice.
“So, if a guy says, ‘You know what? You’re my partner,’ that means ‘I’m riding with you.’ Like, ‘We’re in this,'” Jones added.
Oprah agreed, emphasizing the collaborative nature the term suggests: “That means, yes, we’re in it together. There’s a partnership. … So I thought that was really good.”
The discussion highlighted how language shapes perception of relationships. Oprah noted that after decades with Graham, using “boyfriend” would feel inappropriate.
“After 20 years, you can’t say, ‘He’s my boyfriend,'” she explained. “And, also, once you get to a certain age, ‘He’s my boyfriend’ – No! ‘Partner’ is a much better word.”
A Trendsetter’s Validation
The hosts acknowledged Oprah’s prescience in adopting the term early. Co-host Jenna Bush Hager joked about Oprah’s influence on relationship vocabulary.
“Before it was a thing, you were calling each other ‘partner,'” Sheinelle pointed out.
“Yes, we’ve always used the word ‘partner,'” Oprah confirmed.
“Of course she started it. She started everything,” Jenna said. “Oprah started the word ‘partner.’ How dare we!”
This validation from someone who has maintained a high-profile relationship for decades adds credibility to the linguistic shift. Oprah’s consistent use of “partner” predates its current popularity, positioning her as an early adopter of more respectful relationship terminology.
Cultural Impact Beyond Relationships
The conversation reflects broader cultural changes in how society discusses personal partnerships. The movement from casual terms to more serious descriptors mirrors evolving attitudes about commitment and respect in relationships.
Oprah’s endorsement carries particular weight given her platform and influence. Her discussion on national television validates a trend already gaining traction among younger celebrities and couples.
The timing proved significant, with Chalamet’s public use of “partner” generating headlines and social media discussion. Oprah’s commentary provides context for why the term resonates beyond mere trendiness.
Key Takeaways
Oprah’s advocacy for “partner” over casual terms like “girlfriend” or “boyfriend” reflects deeper values about relationship maturity and mutual respect. Her decades-long use of the term with Stedman Graham demonstrates its staying power beyond linguistic fashion.
The discussion on News Of Philadelphia‘s morning show validated a cultural shift already underway, with celebrities like Timothée Chalamet helping popularize the terminology. Oprah’s endorsement reinforces that word choice matters in how we conceptualize and discuss romantic partnerships.
The media mogul’s perspective offers a framework for understanding why language evolves in relationship contexts, suggesting that the words we choose shape how we view commitment and partnership. Her consistent use of “partner” for over 20 years provides a real-world example of how terminology can mature alongside relationships themselves.
