girlish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "girlish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is characteristic of or suitable for a girl, often implying qualities like playfulness or innocence. Example: "She wore a girlish dress that twirled beautifully as she danced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In my girlish dreams, star-crossed love became the pulse of life, a notion I have never quite surrendered.

The Guardian - Books

When I ask her if this is true she becomes giggly, girlish and evasive.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Yet her enthusiasm for life and work remains as girlish as her famous bright plastic raincoats.

The Guardian

The girlish timbre that eases listeners into some songs, such as "Saving All My Love For You", swiftly gives way to an altogether muscular, ballad-ready soar.

The Economist

THE Goldwater Institute, a libertarian think-tank based where else?—in Phoenix, Arizona, contains a striking photograph of the young Barry Goldwater, dressed in girlish clothes and accompanied by a tame monkey.

The Economist

He found it (on his visits to Balmoral to the girlish Queen Victoria, all popeyes and buck teeth but "pretty enough beneath the neck") a place of gloom and drizzle and long-faced holiness.

The Economist

But in Howard Hawks's French Resistance thriller, there's not a trace of girlish insecurity about her.

The Economist

He scratches at Ripley with a low, mocking voice, waggling his fingers and jerking his head, narrowing his eyes and widening his soft girlish grin.

The Economist

It inspired an entire generation of boys to rebel against being forced by their mothers to wear "girlish" velvet Fauntleroy outfits.This new biography will come as an eye-opener to anyone who has ever read "Fauntleroy", "The Secret Garden" or "A Little Princess", and lapped up the details of dress, settings and character that Burnett layered on her stories like cream on a rich English pudding.

The Economist

Then there is that voice high, strong, clear, sometimes girlish, always unmistakable.

The Economist

Criticized by some as being limited in range, her sweet, girlish voice nonetheless was well-suited to pop music.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "girlish" to describe qualities or behaviors associated with girls or young women, especially those relating to innocence, playfulness, or a youthful appearance. Ensure the context is appropriate and avoid using it in a way that might be perceived as condescending or dismissive.

Common error

Be cautious when using "girlish" as a descriptor, as it can reinforce gender stereotypes. Consider whether a more neutral term like "youthful" or "playful" might be more appropriate to avoid limiting or demeaning the subject.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "girlish" primarily functions as a descriptive word, modifying nouns to indicate qualities or characteristics associated with girls. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly conveys traits such as innocence, playfulness, or youthfulness. For example, "girlish enthusiasm" describes a type of enthusiasm associated with girls.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "girlish" is a common adjective used to describe something as having qualities associated with girls. According to Ludwig AI, its primary grammatical function is descriptive. While generally neutral, its formality varies with context. It is frequently found in News & Media and Encyclopedia sources. When using "girlish", be mindful of potential stereotypes and consider alternative terms like "youthful" or "playful" to avoid unintended connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

girly

An informal synonym for "girlish", often used to describe things associated with girls.

schoolgirlish

Specifically refers to the qualities of a schoolgirl, a more specific subset of "girlish".

youthful

Focuses on the aspect of being young, similar to "girlish" but applicable to both genders.

feminine

Emphasizes the female qualities, which is one aspect of "girlish", but broader in scope.

childlike

Highlights the innocence and playfulness associated with children, overlapping with some aspects of "girlish".

ingenuous

Highlights the innocence and naivety sometimes associated with girls, overlapping with the "girlish" meaning.

young

A basic descriptor of age; lacks the specific connotations of "girlish".

ladylike

Focuses on refined and polite behavior, which can sometimes be associated with "girlish" but emphasizes different qualities.

immature

Implies a lack of development, which can sometimes be associated with "girlish" behavior, but has a negative connotation.

effeminate

Describes feminine qualities in a male, the opposite gender of "girlish".

FAQs

What does "girlish" mean?

"Girlish" means having qualities or characteristics typically associated with a girl or young woman, such as innocence, playfulness, or a youthful appearance.

What are some synonyms for "girlish"?

Some synonyms for "girlish" include "youthful", "feminine", "childlike", and "girly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "girlish" to describe a grown woman?

It depends on the context. Using "girlish" to describe a grown woman might imply that she is acting immaturely or is trying to appear younger than she is. Consider whether a more neutral term like "youthful" or "playful" would be more appropriate.

How can I avoid using "girlish" in a way that is offensive?

Be mindful of the connotations of "girlish" and avoid using it in contexts where it might be seen as demeaning or dismissive. Consider the power dynamics at play and whether your word choice might reinforce harmful stereotypes. Choose more neutral alternatives when possible.