Why is "deportista" both masculine and feminine?

Question

I was just wondering why "deportista" is considered to be a masculine and feminine noun.

Answer 1

I think that most Spanish word for people ending in "ista" can be both masculine and feminine?

For example "un / una recepcionista"

Am I right?

• Yes you are right, el taxista = male taxi driver la taxista= female, - kenwilliams Sep 9, 2010

Answer 2

That´s the way the cookie crumbles. It just is.

Answer 3

because both men and women play sports same goes for dentista, flautista, artista, etc. it's a variation of the norm in spanish to tack on or substitute an -a to a noun indicating profession or occupation when designating a female subject, ie, doctor/doctora, reportero/reportera, cocinero/cocinera

Answer 4

Maquinista,deportista,nutricionista,equilibrista,prestamista,pensionista.. :D

That is!