I was speaking to a friend recently, who said that one of his associates was in a bit of a quandary. It might seem like an obvious thing, but when I thought about it, I found out that my views on the matter were also unclear. Here is why:
The female of the species is known by many names, some positive, some less so. Wikipedia describes it thus:
Female (♀) is the sex of an organism, or a part of an organism, which produces non-mobile ova (egg cells).
Thrilling. Not really summing up how I see myself. Also, not a term that your would probably use to describe someone, as in “The speaker is a very interesting female”. Unless you have not long been resident on our planet.
A more commonly-used term for the female human is, of course, Woman.
A woman (pl: women) is a female human. The term woman is usually reserved for an adult, with the term girl being the usual term for a female child or adolescent. However, the term woman is also sometimes used to identify a female human, regardless of age, as in phrases such as “Women’s rights“.
Now, ‘woman’ is innocuous enough, usually, as long as not used in the “Oh, for goodness’ sake Woman” kind of tone, or other similarly less-than kind manner. Or even ‘Women’s Rights’, when approached negatively. There are obviously still differences apart from the physical between male and female of the species, which differ geographically amongst other things. And therein lies the problem.
Where “Man” can be “Hey, Man”, or “Man, that’s cool”, etc, I cannot think of a time where a female, or male for that matter has uttered the immortal phrase “You go, Woman”, or similar. It is at this point that the challenge becomes apparent.
In that situation, “You go, Girl” might fit, or even “Hey Lady”, etc, but where does that fit for general day-to-day conversation, with a slightly less ‘street’ vibe?
Some might say that being introduced as a lady makes them feel old, but equally calling a 23 year-old a ‘girl’ might seem belittling.
I am 32, and now feel quite thrilled to be called a ‘girl’, and even quite happy with ‘woman’ when ‘business’ is placed in front of it!
Now the quandary which I mentioned related to an American ‘female’ and the term used by her when referring to the fairer sex. She had decided, upon discussion and debate with her peers, that ‘Chick’ would fit the bill. I think, personally, that would probably only work across the pond.
All ‘us females’ have a preferred moniker, possibly dependent upon who is uttering it, myself included, but which one is the right one to use generically?
I would love comments on this blog, from either females or males, letting me know your thoughts.
Girl Power!
