Why do they call female students coeds but not male students?

The term "coed" is a shortened form of "co-ed," which stands for "co-educational." It's used to refer to a system of education where both men and women are educated together.

Here's why the term "coed" is primarily associated with women:

* Historical context: The term "co-ed" emerged in the early 20th century as women began to gain access to higher education in greater numbers. Prior to this, many institutions were exclusively for men, and the introduction of women was a significant change.

* Emphasis on change: The term "co-ed" highlights the shift from single-sex to mixed-gender education. It acknowledges the fact that women were the new addition to the educational system, and their presence marked a change in the status quo.

* Linguistic convention: Over time, the term "coed" became more commonly used to refer to women students, even though technically it applies to both genders. This is similar to how the term "bachelor" is still used to refer to an unmarried man, even though the word itself doesn't imply a gender.

While "coed" primarily refers to female students, it's not technically incorrect to apply it to male students as well. However, the usage has become so ingrained that it is often understood as a term specifically for women.

It's important to note that using the term "coed" can sometimes be seen as outdated or even sexist. It's generally better to use more inclusive language like "students," "undergraduates," or "college students."