Difference Wiki

Girlish vs. Girly

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 20, 2023
"Girlish" refers to qualities traditionally associated with young girls, while "Girly" describes anything feminine regardless of age. Both words are adjectives but apply in slightly different contexts.

Key Differences

"Girlish" often describes behavioral characteristics, such as innocence, youthful exuberance, or naivety. "Girly," however, is more frequently used to describe external factors like fashion choices, color schemes, or hobbies that are traditionally feminine.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
In terms of age appropriateness, "Girlish" tends to be confined to describing the characteristics of young girls or female children. "Girly" has a more expansive reach, being applicable to women and even men who exhibit feminine qualities.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
From a grammatical standpoint, both "Girlish" and "Girly" serve as adjectives. While "Girlish" frequently applies to behavior, "Girly" often extends to objects like clothing, toys, or décor.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Both "Girlish" and "Girly" are generally used in a descriptive context, but the connotations can vary. "Girlish" often implies a certain level of immaturity or youthfulness, while "Girly" can sometimes be used to challenge traditional gender norms.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
"Girlish" typically describes characteristics that are reminiscent of a young girl or female child. On the other hand, "Girly" is broader and can describe any attributes, styles, or behaviors that are considered traditionally feminine.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Comparison Chart

Primary Application

Young girls or female children
Broadly feminine
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
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Grammatical Role

Adjective
Adjective
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Common Contexts

Behavior
Objects, styles
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Age Range

Limited to youth
Age-neutral
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Additional Connotations

Often implies youth or immaturity
May challenge gender norms
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023

Girlish and Girly Definitions

Girlish

Young in appearance
She had a girlish figure even in her 40s.
Harlon Moss
Sep 20, 2023

Girly

Feminine appearance
She wore girly dresses.
Harlon Moss
Sep 20, 2023
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Girlish

Youthful enthusiasm
She giggled with girlish excitement.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Girly

Feminine style
She had a girly room decorated in pink.
Janet White
Sep 20, 2023

Girlish

Childlike femininity
She had a girlish charm about her.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023

Girly

Traditional female interests
She enjoys girly activities like shopping.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023

Girlish

Relating to young girls
Girlish dreams often involve fairy tales.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023

Girly

Relating to women or girls
Girly magazines focus on fashion and beauty.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023
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Girlish

Naive or innocent
Her girlish innocence was endearing.
Harlon Moss
Sep 20, 2023

Girly

Used by both genders
His girly handwriting surprised many.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Girlish

Characteristic of or befitting a girl
Girlish charm.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023

Girly

Relating to or characteristic of girls, young women, or traditional femininity
A girly voice.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023

Girlish

Like (that of) a girl; feminine.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023

Girly

Often Derogatory Weak, timid, or effeminate. Used chiefly of men.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023

Girlish

(archaic) Of or relating to girlhood.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023

Girly

Variant of girlie.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023

Girlish

Like, or characteristic of, a girl; of or pertaining to girlhood; innocent; artless; immature; weak; as, girlish ways; girlish grief.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023

Girly

Variant of girlie.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023

Girlish

Befitting or characteristic of a young girl;
Girlish charm
A dress too schoolgirlish for office wear
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023

Girly

Characteristic of a stereotypical girl, very effeminate, gentle; unmasculine.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023

Girly

Of, or pertaining to, a young, attractive woman; especially one who is scantily clad.
A girly calendar
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023

Girly

(slang) Weak; wussy.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023

Girly

(childish) Girl.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023

FAQs

What is "Girlish"?

It describes qualities traditionally associated with young girls.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Do these words serve the same grammatical roles?

Yes, both are adjectives.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Can "Girlish" describe objects?

It is usually used to describe behavior or characteristics, not objects.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

What is "Girly"?

It describes anything considered feminine regardless of age.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Can men be described as "Girlish" or "Girly"?

While less common, men can be described as "Girly," but rarely as "Girlish."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Can "Girly" describe behavior?

Yes, but it is more commonly used for objects and styles.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Does "Girlish" imply immaturity?

Often, it can imply youth or immaturity.
Harlon Moss
Sep 20, 2023

Can "Girlish" be empowering?

Context-dependent, but it can celebrate youthful qualities.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023

Is "Girlish" ever used in a derogatory manner?

It can be, especially when implying immaturity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023

Does "Girly" imply immaturity?

Not necessarily, it can apply to women of all ages.
Harlon Moss
Sep 20, 2023

Is "Girlish" age-restricted?

It is generally used for youthful characteristics.
Janet White
Sep 20, 2023

Is "Girly" age-restricted?

No, it is age-neutral.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023

Is "Girly" ever used in a derogatory manner?

It can be, but is also reclaimed for empowerment.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023

What are some synonyms for "Girlish"?

Childlike, youthful, naive.
Harlon Moss
Sep 20, 2023

Can "Girly" be empowering?

Yes, especially when challenging traditional gender norms.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023

What are some synonyms for "Girly"?

Feminine, ladylike, womanly.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma Saeed
Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.

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