gentle sex

American  

Or gentler sex

noun

Older Use: Sometimes Offensive.

1. women in general (usually used facetiously).

   courtesy toward the gentle sex.

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Sensitive Note

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.

Etymology

Origin of gentle sex

First recorded in 1575–85

Example Sentences

Oh how little do we know of those rapid lights and shadows which shift and tremble across the spirits of the gentle sex, when approaching to hold this tender communion with those whom they love.

From Jane Sinclair; Or, The Fawn Of Springvale The Works of William Carleton, Volume Two by Carleton, William

As a lady's companion he is hard to beat; indeed, a glance at any show catalogue will prove that the majority of Borzois are owned by the gentle sex.

From Dogs and All about Them by Leighton, Robert

Never before had the semblance of a woman appeared, never before had an intimation been given that the gentle sex existed in these silent chambers.

From Etidorhpa or the End of Earth. The Strange History of a Mysterious Being and The Account of a Remarkable Journey by Lloyd, John Uri

And the gentle sex, especially, would and did tell fortunes almost as jealously as play quadrille and piquet.

From The Square of Sevens An Authoritative Method of Cartomancy with a Prefatory Note by Prime-Stevenson, Edward

He is greater, and will be loved more hereafter by the gentle sex.

From Roundabout Papers by Thackeray, William Makepeace