Young birds, especially baby chickens that have recently hatched. Informally and often considered dated or offensive, it can refer to young women.
From Old English 'cicen' meaning young chicken, related to 'chicken'. The slang usage referring to women emerged in 1920s American English, drawing on the idea of young, small creatures, though this usage is now widely considered inappropriate.
The transformation of 'chick' from a purely agricultural term to slang reveals how language reflects social attitudes. While baby birds are still called chicks universally, the slang usage has largely fallen out of acceptable discourse as society has become more aware of objectifying language.
Diminutive slang for young women; infantilizes adult women and carries a reductive, often sexualizing history in mid-20th century usage ('chick flick,' 'chick lit'). Frames women as frivolous or secondary.
Use 'women,' 'girls' (if age-appropriate), or 'people' instead. If used affectionately among friends, ensure no power imbalance and reciprocal language applies equally to men.
["women","people","girls (for young people)"]
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