THE popular catchphrase ‘real women have curves’ is possibly one of the most irritating and alienating expressions, by Ellie Mullan, aged 17.

The term devalues the less curvaceous females among us. Ironically, and rather hypocritically, the term was coined by those who didn’t comply with the media imposed ‘skinny’ image.

A term which first started in order to build someone’s self-confidence is now beginning to have the opposite effect.

While it may have started as a catchphrase to dissuade innocent women from the horrors of an eating disorder, it’s now beginning to be used to make ‘normal women’ feel superior to others for not wearing size 8 jeans.

To a certain extent, this is a positive movement, and yet the term is also couched in such wishy-washy language that has consequently created a new pariah: the ‘unreal women’.

This ‘curvy women’ movement should not be regarded as a negative one, by celebrating women who are not stick thin models helps those who identify with this body shape to feel self-empowered.

However, what of those who do not? The naturally thin, the athletic, and a whole range of others are alienated by this ‘curvy’ ideal.

Whether they are built like Miranda Kerr or Adele, young people should be told they are beautiful.

All women’s figures should be celebrated, not just a select minority.