Girlish vs. Girly: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 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" 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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Application
Young girls or female children
Broadly feminine
Grammatical Role
Adjective
Adjective
Common Contexts
Behavior
Objects, styles
Age Range
Limited to youth
Age-neutral
Additional Connotations
Often implies youth or immaturity
May challenge gender norms
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Girlish and Girly Definitions
Girlish
Young in appearance
She had a girlish figure even in her 40s.
Girly
Feminine appearance
She wore girly dresses.
Girlish
Youthful enthusiasm
She giggled with girlish excitement.
Girly
Feminine style
She had a girly room decorated in pink.
Girlish
Childlike femininity
She had a girlish charm about her.
Girly
Traditional female interests
She enjoys girly activities like shopping.
Girlish
Relating to young girls
Girlish dreams often involve fairy tales.
Girly
Relating to women or girls
Girly magazines focus on fashion and beauty.
Girlish
Naive or innocent
Her girlish innocence was endearing.
Girly
Used by both genders
His girly handwriting surprised many.
Girlish
Characteristic of or befitting a girl
Girlish charm.
Girly
Relating to or characteristic of girls, young women, or traditional femininity
A girly voice.
Girlish
Like (that of) a girl; feminine.
Girly
Often Derogatory Weak, timid, or effeminate. Used chiefly of men.
Girlish
(archaic) Of or relating to girlhood.
Girly
Variant of girlie.
Girlish
Like, or characteristic of, a girl; of or pertaining to girlhood; innocent; artless; immature; weak; as, girlish ways; girlish grief.
Girly
Variant of girlie.
Girlish
Befitting or characteristic of a young girl;
Girlish charm
A dress too schoolgirlish for office wear
Girly
Characteristic of a stereotypical girl, very effeminate, gentle; unmasculine.
Girly
Of, or pertaining to, a young, attractive woman; especially one who is scantily clad.
A girly calendar
Girly
(slang) Weak; wussy.
Girly
(childish) Girl.
FAQs
What is "Girlish"?
It describes qualities traditionally associated with young girls.
Do these words serve the same grammatical roles?
Yes, both are adjectives.
Can "Girlish" describe objects?
It is usually used to describe behavior or characteristics, not objects.
What is "Girly"?
It describes anything considered feminine regardless of age.
Can men be described as "Girlish" or "Girly"?
While less common, men can be described as "Girly," but rarely as "Girlish."
Can "Girly" describe behavior?
Yes, but it is more commonly used for objects and styles.
Does "Girlish" imply immaturity?
Often, it can imply youth or immaturity.
Can "Girlish" be empowering?
Context-dependent, but it can celebrate youthful qualities.
Is "Girlish" ever used in a derogatory manner?
It can be, especially when implying immaturity.
Does "Girly" imply immaturity?
Not necessarily, it can apply to women of all ages.
Is "Girlish" age-restricted?
It is generally used for youthful characteristics.
Is "Girly" age-restricted?
No, it is age-neutral.
Is "Girly" ever used in a derogatory manner?
It can be, but is also reclaimed for empowerment.
What are some synonyms for "Girlish"?
Childlike, youthful, naive.
Can "Girly" be empowering?
Yes, especially when challenging traditional gender norms.
What are some synonyms for "Girly"?
Feminine, ladylike, womanly.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
