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Mr. Tom Posted 8 years ago
Vocabulary

Feminine expressions and all

Hi

I have a feeling that this question will sound silly to many, but...

In my native language, there are any number of (idiomatic) expressions that are chiefly/mainly used by women. If they come out of a man's mouth, they sound off or the man looks unmacho (it that's a word). Similarly, many expressions are too masculine to be used by women.

Is that a case in English also?

Thanks,

Tom

  

Top answer

I think there are few such words or expressions in English. I suppose you could say that coarse and profane language and expressions are more likely to be used by males, but this is not conclusive since women may sometimes use coarse language too, especially (it seems to me) in modern times. In BrE, one word common among males but traditionally almost never used by females (even when addressing males) is "mate", as a familiar term of address.

— GPY

  • I think there are few such words or expressions in English.
  • I suppose you could say that coarse and profane language and expressions are more likely to be used by males, but this is not conclusive since women may sometimes use coarse language too, especially (it seems to me) in modern times.
  • In BrE, one word common among males but traditionally almost never used by females (even when addressing males) is "mate", as a familiar term of address.
  • Now I sometimes hear women use it too, but it is still pretty uncommon.
  • I think similar familiar terms of address, such as "buddy", "pal" and so on, are also rarely used by women.
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2 Answers
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I think there are few such words or expressions in English. I suppose you could say that coarse and profane language and expressions are more likely to be used by males, but this is not conclusive since women may sometimes use coarse language too, especially (it seems to me) in modern times. In BrE, one word common among males but traditionally almost never used by females (even when addressin

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Mr. TomIs that a the case in English also?

Yes. The number of words and expressions like that in the U.S. are too numerous to mention. Just one example: It would be a very rare occasion indeed if you heard a man describe bows on a woman's shoes as "darling". In fact, it would be rare to hear a man de

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