In formal English grammar is the word “handsome” allowed to be used as adjective for girls?

Answer 1

Courtesy of www.dictionary.com

1. having an attractive, well-proportioned, and imposing appearance suggestive of health and strength; good-looking: a handsome man; a handsome woman.

In short, it has the same meaning for both men and women; though the implications are different. In men, imposing strength is considered to be an asset in all venues. In women, however, such visible strength can often be a detriment.

Answer 2

Yes, some women are indeed handsome, though it is an old fashioned term. For example, Meryl Streep the actress could be described this way.

Answer 3

Handsome can be used to describe a girl or woman who is attractive, but not quite beautiful.

Answer 4

Yes, a woman can be called handsome but it usually means that the woman in question is more manly in face and or stature.

Answer 5

It is proper english for a girl who holds beauty. Try checking out works by Jane Austin.

Answer 6

It is usually in the context of "handsome woman". Not in use much anymore, but it still can apply. Usually refers to an older woman who is classically beautiful, and dresses to enhance that beauty.

Answer 7

yeah. it's right enough. handsome later came to be only used for men. earlier it was used fro girls too. but, now, i'd advice against it, becasue it MAY cause eyebrows to rise and instant corrections.

Answer 8

I have seen it used by famous authors to refer to young women who were not quite pretty, maybe a bit manly.

Answer 9

yeah, an adjective can be used to modify any noun...girl, boy, cat, dog, cup, plastic...anything. But whether it makes sense or not is up to you..

Answer 10

maybe the one who said other girl handsome is a lesbian? who knows? but i think u can use it!