Having qualities or appearance traditionally associated with women or girls; in grammar, relating to the female gender form of words in some languages.
From Old French “feminin,” from Latin “femininus” meaning “female, of a woman,” from “femina” meaning “woman.” It has long described both biological sex and stylistic qualities linked to women.
What counts as “feminine” changes dramatically across cultures and history—heels and skirts, for example, were once male fashion in Europe. The word’s root is stable (woman), but the traits attached to it are anything but fixed.
'Feminine' has long been tied to cultural norms about how women and girls 'should' look and behave, often limiting acceptable roles and expressions. It has also been used to police men’s behavior and to stigmatize traits coded as feminine, such as emotional expressiveness or care work.
Use 'feminine' to describe styles or traits when relevant, but avoid equating femininity strictly with women or using it to devalue people; recognize that people of any gender may embrace or reject feminine expressions.
["traditionally feminine-coded","soft style","delicate style","nurturing (when specific)"]
When discussing femininity, highlight how women and gender minorities have expanded and redefined what counts as feminine in culture, work, and politics.
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