girlish flush

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "girlish flush" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a blush or rosy color in someone's cheeks that is typically associated with youthful femininity or shyness. Example: "As she spoke to him, a girlish flush crept across her cheeks, revealing her nervousness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A girlish flush is crucial for spring.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Initially shy and sometimes self-deprecating, Leslie is also warm, charmingly frank and girlish, with cheeks that easily flush and bangs that she brushes from her forehead as she talks.

The New York Times - Magazine

Her smile is girlish.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the bedroom scene, when Tatiana — flushed with impulsive love for Onegin, whom she has just met — pours out her feelings in a letter, Ms. Fleming touchingly conveyed the character's girlish giddiness.

The New York Times - Arts

"She's girlish".

The New York Times - Style

Sometimes they were girlish.

The New York Times

She looks less girlish now.

The New Yorker

Plush, flush.

The New York Times

Straight flush.

The New Yorker

Her legs are girlish — shapely and short.

The New York Times - Magazine

She was trim, tan and girlish.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "girlish flush" to evoke a sense of youthful innocence and naiveté in your writing. It's particularly effective in describing characters experiencing shyness or romantic feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "girlish flush" to describe situations that are serious or somber. The phrase carries a connotation of lightheartedness and innocence, which may clash with more solemn themes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "girlish flush" functions primarily as a descriptive element, adding detail and emotional context to a scene or character. Ludwig confirms its use in describing a physical characteristic linked to youth and femininity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "girlish flush" describes a blush associated with youth and femininity, often connoting shyness or innocence. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound, although relatively rare in occurrence. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its register leans toward neutral-to-informal, making it suitable for creative writing but less so for formal or scientific contexts. When using this phrase, consider its emotional implications and ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

youthful blush

Replaces "girlish" with "youthful" focusing on the age aspect of the blush.

feminine blush

Substitutes "girlish" with "feminine", highlighting the gender aspect of the blush.

rosy cheeks

Focuses on the visual aspect of the flush, emphasizing the color.

delicate blush

Highlights the subtlety and lightness of the flush.

slight blush

Emphasizes the faintness of the flush.

pink tinge

Replaces "blush" with "tinge", suggesting a subtle coloring.

rosy glow

Changes "flush" to "glow", implying a radiant quality.

fresh complexion

Shifts the focus to overall skin appearance, implying health and youth.

healthy color

Highlights the positive and vibrant nature of the complexion.

maidenly blush

Emphasizes innocence and youthfulness, replacing "girlish" with a more archaic term.

FAQs

How can I use "girlish flush" in a sentence?

You can use "girlish flush" to describe a blush or rosy color in someone's cheeks that is typically associated with youthful femininity or shyness. Example: "As she spoke to him, a "girlish flush" crept across her cheeks, revealing her nervousness."

What can I say instead of "girlish flush"?

You can use alternatives like "youthful blush", "feminine blush", or "rosy cheeks" depending on the context.

Is "girlish blush" or "girly blush" more appropriate?

"Girlish blush" and "girly blush" are similar, but "girlish blush" is generally considered more refined and less colloquial than "girly blush". The best choice depends on the desired tone of your writing.

What does a "girlish flush" typically signify?

A "girlish flush" often indicates shyness, embarrassment, or excitement, particularly in a young woman or girl. It conveys a sense of innocence and vulnerability.