DiscussionOpinion

When do you start calling girls "women"?

SmoshCast

A conversation exploring at what age people transition from calling females "girls" to "women." Participants debate whether age, life experience, maturity, or accomplishments like motherhood define this linguistic shift, with perspectives ranging from specific ages to behavioral and circumstantial factors.

Summary

The conversation begins with a humorous question about the age threshold for calling someone a "woman" versus a "girl." One participant initially jokes the answer is 60s, then the discussion becomes more serious. One speaker notes that they frequently use the term "girl" and suggest "woman" implies a decision has been made about the relationship's significance, picturing the woman as older and more mature. When pressed for a specific age, responses vary from 45-50s and up, with acknowledgment that some 41-year-olds are still referred to as "girls." The conversation introduces situational context: one participant argues that if someone is 40 years old but referred to as a "girl," it feels acceptable, but age becomes contextual based on life circumstances. Another participant defines "woman" as someone who is mature, has lived, and has experienced significant relationships—specifically mentioning divorce or breaking up with a man as markers of womanhood. The discussion shifts to recognize that it's not purely about age but about how someone "carries themselves." A key turning point occurs when someone suggests that motherhood qualifies someone as a woman, regardless of age. The group explores whether there are specific life accomplishments or degrees of maturation that grant someone the status of "woman," ultimately suggesting it's a combination of age, life experience, maturity level, and personal circumstances rather than a single defining factor.

Key Insights

  • One participant argues that when someone says 'I'm dating a woman' versus 'I'm dating a girl,' it signals a conscious decision about the relationship's maturity level, not just the woman's age.
  • A participant defines 'woman' as someone who is mature, has lived through significant experiences, is divorced, or has broken up with a man—framing womanhood around relationship history rather than chronological age.
  • The group identifies that motherhood serves as a definitive marker of womanhood, with one participant arguing that a 34-year-old with a child should be called a woman regardless of how she's typically referred to.
  • One participant suggests there are three tiers for males ('boy,' 'guy,' and 'man') but the group doesn't establish equivalent clear tiers for females, indicating the terminology is more ambiguous.
  • Multiple participants agree that how someone 'carries themselves'—their maturity and comportment—matters more than a specific age in determining whether they should be called a girl or woman.

Topics

Age thresholds for terminologyLife experience and maturity markersGender terminology and linguisticsMotherhood as a defining momentPersonal presentation and comportmentRelationship status and experience

Transcript

[0:00] At what age do you start saying I'm dating a woman? Like what how old did they the woman how old does the person have to be to be like I'm dating this woman? 60s. I'm [laughter] just kidding. >> Um do you know what I mean? Like if I came to you and I was like oh I'm dating this girl or this person >> Yeah, you are always saying girl. So I feel like when you say woman it's you've decided that's where you're at and woman to me if you said I'm dating a woman I I picture her a little bit older. >> Of course, but what's the age? >> 50s? >> Uh 50s. [0:30]…

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