gentle sex
or gentler sex
nounOlder Use: Sometimes Offensive.
women in general (usually used facetiously): courtesy toward the gentle sex.
Origin of gentle sex
1First recorded in 1575–85
usage note For gentle sex
This is a dated term, usually used for humorous effect but sometimes perceived as condescending to women. It makes reference to a stereotype of women’s basic nature, namely that women are gentle in comparison to men.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use gentle sex in a sentence
After the gentle sex had to a great extent given up the habit, some strong minded females were to be found who retained it.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce | E. R. Billings.He realized that the bovine belonged to the gentle sex, and anything was to be expected.
The Gentle Art of Cooking Wives | Elizabeth Strong WorthingtonShe was a sinewy bite of the gentle sex, but she had much flavour, and she gave nourishment.
Lord Ormont and his Aminta, Complete | George MeredithIn writing of authors of the gentle sex, his ink-pot became a pot of honey.
The Dreamer | Mary Newton StanardCoiners and smashers droop before him; pickpockets defer to him; the gentle sex (not very gentle here) smile upon him.
Reprinted Pieces | Charles Dickens
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