Word
girly
UK/ɡˈɜːli/
Definition
adj. having qualities that people often think are typical for girls, like being pink, sweet, or very feminine. You use this to describe things like clothes, rooms, or behavior.
adj. characteristic of or appropriate to a girl; often used to describe aesthetics or behaviors perceived as traditionally feminine. Frequently carries a light, informal tone and can be used either affectionately or dismissively depending on context.
Examples
“She decorated her bedroom with girly posters and pink pillows.”
“The movie is a bit too girly for his taste, as he prefers action films over romantic comedies.”
“While some critics dismissed the brand's aesthetic as merely girly, others argued it reclaimed traditional feminine symbols as a form of modern empowerment.”
Examples
simple
“She decorated her bedroom with girly posters and pink pillows.”
contextual
“The movie is a bit too girly for his taste, as he prefers action films over romantic comedies.”
complex
“While some critics dismissed the brand's aesthetic as merely girly, others argued it reclaimed traditional feminine symbols as a form of modern empowerment.”
Usage
Often used as a gradable adjective; can be modified by 'very' or 'quite'.
Etymology
From girl + -y (adjectival sufix).
From girl + -y (diminutive suffix).
From girl + -ly (adverbial suffix), after the adjective.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/girly