Feminine vs. Girly — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 24, 2024
Feminine typically describes qualities traditionally associated with women, focusing on elegance and grace, while girly emphasizes youthful, playful attributes associated with girls.
Difference Between Feminine and Girly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Feminine qualities often pertain to characteristics considered typical or appropriate for women, such as nurturing, sensitivity, and grace. Whereas girly traits are usually associated with young girls, including playfulness, and an affinity for traditionally 'cute' or 'pretty' things like pink colors and dolls.
The term feminine can be applied broadly across different age groups, suggesting a mature, subdued elegance. On the other hand, girly is more often used to describe attributes or behaviors considered typical of younger females, often implying a sense of immaturity or lesser seriousness.
Feminine qualities are admired and encouraged in various social and professional settings as they align with a polished and refined demeanor. Whereas girly characteristics, while celebrated in childhood, may be perceived as less appropriate or professional in adult settings.
In fashion, feminine styles might include flowing skirts, elegant dresses, and delicate jewelry, which enhance an adult woman's sophistication. Whereas girly fashion tends to involve more vibrant colors, playful patterns, and accessories like bows and ribbons, catering to a younger or more whimsical aesthetic.
Regarding attitudes and behavior, feminine often connotes a composed and respectful demeanor. In contrast, girly might be associated with a bubblier, more exuberant personality, which can include giggling, enthusiastic expressions, and a carefree attitude.
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Comparison Chart
Age Appropriateness
Suitable for all ages, often adults
Primarily associated with children and teens
Cultural Perception
Seen as mature, refined
Often viewed as immature or less serious
Fashion Style
Elegant, subtle, sophisticated
Vibrant, playful, whimsical
Typical Attributes
Grace, poise, sensitivity
Playfulness, cheerfulness, whimsicality
Professional Acceptance
Commonly accepted and admired
Less accepted in formal or professional settings
Compare with Definitions
Feminine
Associated with nurturing behaviors.
Her feminine intuition told her the child was in distress.
Girly
Involving light-hearted and playful elements.
She enjoyed the girly banter at the sleepover.
Feminine
Exhibiting qualities traditionally associated with women.
Her feminine charm was evident in her gentle mannerisms.
Girly
Denoting a cheerful and lively demeanor.
Her girly enthusiasm made her popular among her peers.
Feminine
Denoting grace and tenderness.
His voice had a feminine softness that was soothing.
Girly
Pertaining to or characteristic of a young girl.
The room was decorated in a girly theme with lots of pink and glitter.
Feminine
Pertaining to the female gender.
The feminine aspect of the story was highlighted through the lead character’s perspective.
Girly
Associated with youthful hobbies or interests.
She had a collection of girly stickers and stationery.
Feminine
Relating to women’s fashion that emphasizes elegance.
She preferred feminine clothing like dresses and skirts for formal events.
Girly
Often related to fashion choices featuring bright colors and patterns.
She wore a girly dress adorned with floral prints.
Feminine
Of or relating to women or girls.
Girly
Girly is a webcomic created by Jackie Lesnick which follows the romantic relationship between two girls named Otra and Winter, as well as other citizens of the city of Cute-Town. It ran from 2003 until 2010.
Feminine
Characterized by or possessing qualities traditionally attributed to women, such as demureness.
Girly
Characteristic of or appropriate to a girl or young woman
Girly pink paper
They liked skipping and picking flowers and doing very girly things
Don't get all girly and cute
Feminine
Effeminate; womanish.
Girly
Depicting or featuring nude or partially nude young women in erotic poses
Girlie magazines
Feminine
(Grammar) Relating or belonging to the gender of words or forms that refer chiefly to females or to things grammatically classified as female.
Girly
A girl or young woman (often used as a term of address)
What's your name, girlie?
Feminine
The feminine gender.
Girly
Relating to or characteristic of girls, young women, or traditional femininity
A girly voice.
Feminine
A word or form belonging to the feminine gender.
Girly
Often Derogatory Weak, timid, or effeminate. Used chiefly of men.
Feminine
Of or pertaining to the female gender; womanly.
Girly
Variant of girlie.
Feminine
Belonging to females; typically used by females.
Mary, Elizabeth, and Edith are feminine names.
Girly
Variant of girlie.
Feminine
Having the qualities stereotypically associated with women: nurturing, not aggressive.
Girly
Characteristic of a stereotypical girl, very effeminate, gentle; unmasculine.
Feminine
(grammar) Of, pertaining or belonging to the female grammatical gender, in languages that have gender distinctions.
Girly
Of, or pertaining to, a young, attractive woman; especially one who is scantily clad.
A girly calendar
Feminine
(of a noun) Being of the feminine class or grammatical gender, and inflected in that manner.
Girly
(slang) Weak; wussy.
Feminine
(of another part of speech) Being inflected in agreement with a feminine noun.
Girly
(childish) Girl.
Feminine
|of any word}} Having the vowel harmony of a front vowel.
Feminine
That which is feminine.
Feminine
A woman.
Feminine
(grammar) The feminine gender.
Feminine
(grammar) A word of the feminine gender.
Feminine
Of or pertaining to a woman, or to women; characteristic of a woman; womanish; womanly.
Her letters are remarkably deficient in feminine ease and grace.
Feminine
A gender that refers chiefly (but not exclusively) to females or to objects classified as female
Feminine
Associated with women and not with men;
Feminine intuition
Feminine
Of grammatical gender;
`it' is the third-person singular neuter pronoun
Feminine
Befitting or characteristic of a woman especially a mature woman;
Womanly virtues of gentleness and compassion
Feminine
(music or poetry) ending on an unaccented beat or syllable;
A feminine ending
Common Curiosities
What types of clothing are considered girly?
Girly clothing often includes playful elements like ruffles, bright colors, and fun patterns.
Can men exhibit feminine qualities?
Yes, men can exhibit feminine qualities, which may include sensitivity, empathy, and a gentle demeanor.
What defines a feminine appearance?
Feminine appearance typically involves styles and behaviors that enhance elegance and subtlety.
Do girly hobbies have value?
Girly hobbies, like any hobbies, can foster creativity, relaxation, and personal happiness.
Are feminine qualities valued in professional settings?
Yes, feminine qualities such as professionalism, poise, and grace are highly valued in many professional settings.
Are there specific colors associated with feminine fashion?
Feminine fashion often features soft or neutral tones, though it can include any color.
Is it okay for boys to like girly things?
It is perfectly acceptable for boys to like girly things as interests should not be limited by gender stereotypes.
How does feminine differ from womanly?
Feminine broadly refers to qualities linked to women, whereas womanly specifically connotes attributes of an adult woman, emphasizing maturity and respectability.
Is girly a negative term?
Girly is not inherently negative but can be perceived differently depending on context; it often implies youthfulness and fun.
How does society view girly behaviors in adults?
Girly behaviors in adults can sometimes be seen as less serious or professional, though they might be embraced in social settings.
How can embracing girly traits be beneficial?
Embracing girly traits can enhance one's sense of self-expression and enjoyment, particularly in leisurely or informal settings.
Can feminine traits be empowering?
Absolutely, feminine traits such as resilience, emotional intelligence, and nurturing can be empowering.
What distinguishes girly toys from others?
Girly toys often include dolls, playsets that mimic domestic tasks, and toys that involve creativity and decoration.
Can feminine and girly characteristics overlap?
Yes, there can be overlap, such as in the case of caring and nurturing traits or playful and lively attitudes.
Why might someone prefer feminine over girly descriptions?
Preferring feminine descriptions may relate to seeking a more mature, sophisticated identity.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
