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

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

From chance meetings in the street, from stray conversations overheard, he had been led to take an unreasoning dislike to this foreigner, whose attitude towards the gentle sex struck him as that of a cur.

From South Wind by Douglas, Norman

In writing of authors of the gentle sex, his ink-pot became a pot of honey.

From The Dreamer A Romantic Rendering of the Life-Story of Edgar Allan Poe by Stanard, Mary Newton

My fellow-voyagers were mostly French, some of them of the gentle sex, and chattered like pies until they fell asleep.

From Romantic Spain A Record of Personal Experiences (Vol. II) by O'Shea, John Augustus

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

From Roundabout Papers by Thackeray, William Makepeace