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The Guardian - UK

Why are some objects – ships, countries, the moon – referred to as 'she'?

A ship's figurehead. — A figurehead ... a face that’s been launched on a thousand ships. Photograph: BirgerNiss/Getty Images/iStockphoto

I’d be fascinated to know why do we sometimes refer to ships, countries, the church, the Earth, the moon and cars among other things as “she”? Is it the same in other languages?
Keith Williams

Post your answers (and new questions) below or send them to nq@theguardian.com. A selection will be published on Sunday.

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