What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
girly
Example
She loves wearing pink dresses and bows, she's so girly. [girly: adjective]
Example
The room was decorated with girly posters and stuffed animals. [girly: adjective]
feminine
Example
She has a very feminine way of walking, with a gentle sway of her hips. [feminine: adjective]
Example
The dress she wore to the party was very feminine, with a flowing skirt and delicate lace. [feminine: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Feminine is more commonly used than girly in everyday language. Feminine is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while girly is less common and may be seen as limiting or stereotypical.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between girly and feminine?
Feminine is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts. Girly, on the other hand, is more commonly used in informal contexts and may not be appropriate in formal settings.