What is it: Woman, girl, gal, chick, doll?

Question

I'm just confused as to what terminology should be used when referring to a female.

Answer 1

Under 20 - girl or young woman or young lady (depending on your personality and the circumstances)

20's: Girl is sometimes ok. Young woman is ok. Woman is ok, although sometimes a little mature-sounding for a young person in her 20's. Generally, if its a reference to someone you're in a personal relationship with "girl" may be ok. If its someone you're not close to "young woman" is better.

30's and over: Woman or lady

There is one exception: If you are substantially older than the woman to whom you are referring it is generally ok to call her a "girl" in most circumstances IF calling that person is a "girl" is an affectionate thing rather than an attempt to put her down. Normally, this use of the term, "girl" is used for personal acquaintances (as with a much younger neighbor - "Oh, she's such a nice girl."). You must, however, be at least 20 years older than the other woman in order to be able to call her "girl" even affectionately and have it not be offensive.

"Female" is never good (although I know you needed to use it in your question because of the nature of your question - so you are forgiven).

"Chick" and "doll" are both unacceptable even if some young "girls" are ok with, or even use, the term "chick". It isn't respectful for guys to use "chick" (and its really, really, offensive for ANYONE to use "doll" - unless referring to a small child under three); and for girls and women to use the term, "chick" it just shows lack of class and the under-valuing of other girls and women.

and that concludes the lecture on what to call humans who are not men or boys :)

Answer 2

How about her name???

Answer 3

As far as I'm concerned, it depends on how it's said. My uncle calls me chick and it's said with love, and I like it. When an ex called me his chick, it was with contempt and I hated it. My ex husband called me woman in such a hateful way that it was like he was calling me a whore. Yet when my current partner calls me his woman, it makes me feel special and loved. When I was a girl, being called a girl was ok, but being called girl at 30 by my father, as in "What the hell were you thinking girl?" made me so mad I wanted ot hit him.
As long as it is said with respect, and in a way which doesn't suggest she's inferior, I think most terminology is ok. Apart from the obvious words which everybody knows to be derogatory terms, of course. There is no way to say "slut" that doesn't mean something horrible!
Have fun!!

Answer 4

Woman for females 18 plus. Girl for females under 18. What do you call your mother - a chick?

Answer 5

Derogatory terms vary from each person. Some names women think of as derogatory I just don't get it. For me the only name that I could be called is the "C" word. I call my girl friends chicks, girlys, chicas, and sometimes we call each other the "B" word just as our inside joke. Many women would find that offencive. I don't as long as its coming from my friends. If it comes from other people I would definally come back with a slap or punch. You may try... Lady Ma'am Miss, Ms, or Mrs (depending on status) this is harder then I thought...

Answer 6

How about using her name?

Answer 7

"Woman" is generally the preferred term. "Girl" is usually acceptable, but it's not quite as respectful or as proper as "woman".

The other three terms have very special connotations, although these connotations tend to vary from person to person. Use them sparingly, and preferably only in circles where they are welcome. For example, some women find "chick" in particular rather insulting, but I personally use the term rather frequently with my closest friends, who I know won't be offended.

I personally strongly dislike it when people refer to women as "females", but I'm not really sure why. I don't find this term particularly insulting; it's just a pet peeve of mine, I guess.

Answer 8

This is language skills 101... we have many words for a reason. Use them.

-woman... as in "the woman I work with"
-girl... depends on your age..as in "This girl I know", or "my friends little girl"
-gal, doll... huh? not really in this day and age
-chick... maybe only with your buddies...

Answer 9

Woman - any female your referring to who is either much older then you'd consider dating, or you consider very mature.
Girl - any you'd consider dating age and below
Gal - only to be used if your a redneck
Chick - used if talking to your "Bros"
Doll - a very fine girl, although normally not the term used

Answer 10

Some men have referred to me as a lady. That is a nice term.