Acceptable To Not To Refer To A Woman As A 'Girl'?

[DonaldDuck92]

Here's the debate we're having. Keen to know what others think.

Is it acceptable for a 30 year old woman to refer to a 40 year old woman as "a nice girl"?

[barry1010]

Ummm, their is no collective word or adult offspring and 'sons and daughters' is a bit of a mouthful, so we call them our children or kids

[Apc2604]

To be called a lady is polite, not in the least eliteist.
For example, I asked a young assistant in a shop where I could find an item. She didn't know and she called out to another assistant 'can you help this woman' To me that was rude and ill mannered I told her so.

[pixie374]

"Girls" is fine with me- it's usually an informal term anyway. I wouldn't expect the News, say, to refer to an 18 year old as a "girl" though.
I would use it more amongst my friends, our older clients, we would probably use ladies or gentlemen maybe. It depends, but none of it is derogatory.

[pixie374]

Barry, I notice that too. Mine are all adults, so "children" seems misleading. But "sons and daughters" is a bit of a mouthful. "Kids" is easiest.

[woofgang]

I think we are all agreeing that its a context thing.....which is pretty amazing on AB!

[pixie374]

Well.... except Allen...

[McMouse]

I have twin granddaughters and they have always been called ‘the girls’. I recently asked them if this term was still acceptable and the answer was “don’t care how you address us so long as you keep calling”.

[pixie374]

My sister and I get called it by our clients and their relatives. We are in our 40s... never thought anything of it.

[Apc2604]

Far nicer and friendlier than being called 'the women' Pixie ;o)

[piggynose]

11.03 would you have preferred " help this old bird" ?

[pixie374]

I don't mind that, myself, apc... factual is fine. I think there was a time when "woman" was often used as a slight insult. "What are you doing now, woman?" kind of thing. But I think we successfully claimed it back:-)

[Arksided]

Thank you Girls, that was interesting reading.

[Vagus]

I’ve heard quite old men refer to their equally elderly other half as ‘girl’...as in ‘come on girl, get your coat on, we’re going home’ or similar.

[carolegif]

Depends on your age! People in their 30’s are girls to people in their 60’s and 70’s!

[dance2trance]

No it is not acceptable. You should avoid contact with the 30 years old woman.