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Or, less cynically, because no one uses 'gals'. There is no female analog to 'guys'. Males under age 18 -> boys. Males 18-35 -> guys. Males over 35 -> men.

For female, it's less clear. Calling a 20-something a 'girl' might be viewed offensively as diminutive. Calling college students 'women' can also seem awkward casual contexts (it's perfectly fine in most).

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"Ladies" is probably the word you're looking for.

For the plural, you're right, but I've never heard anyone called a "lady" without some level of pre-existing intimacy

I've gotten to a point where I'm more frequently associating with people (including 'females') in the 25-35 age range and have had this debate internally. I've started using 'lady' for this very purpose, though I realize it's not as socially common. I might recount an interaction by referring to 'A guy' or 'A lady' I met (rather than 'girl'). Personally, I'd love for it to be socially acceptable to refer to people with words that don't presuppose age (or gender, for that matter) but that time isn't coming anytime soon.

I have heard this criticized on the grounds that it is patronizing and it connotes an expectation to conform to gender norms ("act like a lady.")

I use "young woman" but then again I only talk to people older than 70 about my personal life.

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