Girl

Girl is a term used to denote a female human who is not yet an adult. In modern English, it most often refers to female children and adolescents, typically from infancy through the teenage years. In informal speech, "girl" can also be used for young women, but this usage varies by culture and context and may be considered inappropriate or patronizing in formal writing.

Etymology and history: The word's earliest written uses date to the Middle English period, with early meanings indicating a young person of either sex. By the early modern period it came to refer mainly to female children and adolescents, and in many contexts today the distinction between girl and woman is reflected in age-based terms. The precise origin is uncertain, with theories linking it to Germanic or Old English roots or to broader terms for youth.

Usage and social context: The term is embedded in cultural practices such as education, literature, media, and discussions about girls' rights and empowerment. It is often combined with other words (girlhood, girl power, girl group) to describe experiences distinctive to female youth. Some uses, especially when directed at adults, are controversial for implying diminished status or infantilization.

Legal and developmental aspects: In many jurisdictions, the legal age of majority means that the term "girl" is not appropriate for adults in official contexts. The distinction between girl and woman can reflect physical and social development, but individual identities vary. Respectful and precise language is encouraged when referring to people.