the title is provocative, but the content is better.
it's funny how grown women are referred to as girls, yet it's less common that grown men are referred to as boys - in my experience.
it's funny how grown women are referred to as girls, yet it's less common that grown men are referred to as boys - in my experience.
In other ways, to be a boy is to be like a girl, as in "the hardships in this remote camp separate the men from the boys" (i.e. the hardy and able from the weak and effeminate).
"Woman" is stuffy and formal, and it makes me feel old. When I hear the word "woman", I think either Hillary Clinton or somebody's grandma, neither of which I have any desire to be.
I only use the word "woman" in formal contexts.
Lady and Ladies is another set of words that could be used.
It's interesting that "Woman" is seen as stuffy and formal, whereas "man" is often used like "be a man" or "man up".
You usually have to put an adjective on "man" to give it a negative connotation, in my experience.
I still think of guys as "guys" and not "men".
those _are_ boys.
I'll gladly refer to myself as a girl, but I only ever use "woman" in formal contexts.
anecdotally my girlfriend (Russian if that makes any difference) absolutely hates when I refer to her as a young woman, or use the word "woman" at all. She much prefers to be referred to as a girl.
I have no issues with being called a man.. not saying that this pattern is everywhere but it's very apparent with her and her family.
No critical thought here is necessary, I suppose? It just... so happens that women "like" to look youthful? Maybe it's biological? Just the natural order of things? I am reminded of the ads from the National Geographic I own from 1940.
But indeed, perhaps this is outlier behaviour and others pay less attention. I suppose it's a tic i have because i'm in such a masculine-dominated field -- i try not to make it worse by talking as if i expect everyone to have XY chromosomes.
Disclaimer: i have a penis.
Just my penny.