Just by reading them, you can tell there is a difference between girlie and girly. The differences go beyond their spellings, and we will clarify them for you here.
“Girlie” and “Girly” don’t mean the same. “Girlie” is an adjective you could use to describe a publication that features women partially or totally naked. In contrast, “Girly” is an adjective you can use to describe objects associated with girls or young ladies.
By the end of this article, we are confident that you will understand how to use these terms without getting into trouble. So let’s examine these terms, their origins, how people use them, and our opinion.
Understanding The Terms Girlie And Girly
“Girlie” and “Girly” come from the word “girl.” These are variations of this word, and we will now see more details explaining how they are related.
Etymology
The word “girl” comes from the old English word “gerle,” which comes from the German word “gor.” Up until the 15th century, young people or children were referred to by this term, regardless of gender.
In the 16th century, the meaning of this word changed to describe a young woman.
Meaning
The meaning of these terms will depend on the context of the conversation. For example, we know both terms describe femininity, but some people can use them as derogatory adjectives to diminish a person due to their lack of masculinity.
For example, when you use “girly” to describe one’s actions, the person you are talking to might not positively receive your comments. It will depend on the kind of relationship you have and how close you are to each other.
How People Use Them
Historically, people have used the word “girly” as a synonym for weak and soft. We have been fed so many stereotypes that you think about glitter, pink, and dresses when you hear the word girly.
Some people use the term “girlie” when:
- They want to express affection to their close friends.
- They treat people with inferiority.
- To talk about magazines or pictures that depict naked women.
People use the term “girl” to talk about:
- Someone’s daughter
- A woman who is not acting her age
- To talk about a female of any animal species
How To Pronounce “Girlie” And “Girly”
According to all the sources we consulted, girly and girlie have the same pronunciation. It is no surprise they do. Their pronunciation is very similar to the word girl. The main difference is in the vowel sounds. Girl has only one vowel sound, while girly/girlie has two sounds.
The first sound would be the /g/ sound coming from the back of your throat. Then you move your tongue backward to make the /r/ sound because the letter “i” here is a schwa sound, meaning it doesn’t have stress. Next, you move the tip of your tongue to touch your upper palate to make the dark /l/ sound. And the final sound here is the vowel “i,” as in sheep.
Other Similar Terms
Here are some synonyms you can use to substitute the word “Girly.”
Adjectives
- Feminine
- Womanly
- Juvenile
- Youthful
Nouns
- Missy
- Maiden
- Young lady
The “Girly” Stereotype
We briefly mentioned it, but now let’s get into details. The TV came into our lives to give us the chance to visualize what we had to imagine before. Many screenplays opted to portray a woman that society would deem as “girly.” Some of the characteristics include:
- A well-mannered woman.
- Pink clothes and accessories.
- Always wears perfume and makeup.
- Engages in lady-like activities such as philanthropic causes.
- Uses every beauty product that ever existed.
- It is always neat and tidy.
These characteristics are not only exclusive to their appearance. A girly person will also make sure all of their environment matches what we just described. Its car, house, workplace, and so on.
Why Do People Understand “Girly” As A Derogatory Term
We don’t want to come across as too political or feminist about the matter, but there are several reasons why these terms can be perceived as derogatory by certain people.
In Women’s History
It all has to do with history. Women have fought many battles against society to claim fair and respectful treatment. It wasn’t long ago when a woman wearing pants was considered a controversy. Many people believed they were not acting according to their gender.
Additionally to what a female should wear, society has set rules about a woman’s behavior. For example, in western cultures, a woman was expected to marry a good man who could bring food to the table and supply her needs, while her duty was to take care of him. Many women worried about how their potential partners would see them. Families raised their men with a biased idea about how women act and what kind of women they should marry.
There’s still a long way to go in the equality battle. Nevertheless, in modern western cultures, we have seen numerous changes, and many women don’t want people referring to them as “girly” because people often use these terms to patronize them.
Example Sentences Using Girly And Girlie
Here’s a list of sample sentences using the words girlie and girly.
- I always admired Ashley so much because she’s girly.
- We talked to her about the room decor; these girly expectations are way out of our budget.
- This is the first time I’ve seen Monica acting so girly. I might say she fell in love.
- I knew Michael was hiding the girlies in his drawer.
- Hi Mom, this is my girlie Shannon. She’s one of my friends from college.
Other Word Usage Posts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Girly Offensive?
Yes and no, it will all depend. The correct answer will depend mainly on the context. This adjective can be used as a compliment or in a sarcastic way. The person you are speaking to will notice your intentions.
Make sure you use this term once you have reached a level of trust with the person you are talking to.
Is Girlie Slang?
Yes, it is. People use the term “girlie” to refer to printed pornographic content.
What Is A Tomboy?
A tomboy is the opposite of a “girly.” This adjective describes women who don’t follow the “girly” stereotype and don’t care much about appearances.
Our Two Cents In The Matter
If you are talking to a close friend, you don’t need to worry about using this term in your conversation. Your friend will accept this adjective as a compliment because there’s a relationship between you too.
However, make sure you don’t use these adjectives in formal settings. You might be hurting someone’s sensibility. Some people have struggled to overcome stereotypes, and we should be kind to everybody.
Final Thoughts About The Terms Girlie And Girly
Now we have explained a lot about these two terms. As you can see, they are both adjectives people use to describe things related to girls. “Girlie” is a slang term for printed content that shows women almost naked, and “Girly” is an adjective that describes things associated with girls.
It would be best if you considered what are your true intentions before using any of these terms. For example, people might find it offensive or derogatory if you call them “girly” to diminish their position. Language goes beyond the meaning of the words; it also has to do with the history behind those expressions we use.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.