ENGLISH
REFERENCE

girly

adj.
B1 Intermediate UK //ɡˈɜːli// girly Archaic Informal Slang

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.


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.

Etymology 1

From girl + -y (adjectival sufix).

Etymology 2

From girl + -y (diminutive suffix).

Etymology 3

From girl + -ly (adverbial suffix), after the adjective.

Usage

Often used as a gradable adjective; can be modified by 'very' or 'quite'.

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