Toller wrote:
Unless otherwise specified...
Plugs (as the word itself suggests) are male.
Receptacles, or outlets, are female.

Yes, there are female plugs and male receptacles, but there was little
chance that your customer wanted those, or that your hardware store
carried them.

How many people would identify a standard extension cord as having or
needing one plug and one outlet? Male and female plugs would be pretty
normal communication. Rod