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

Christina was gone, and the gentle sex was no longer represented in the monastery of Trooditissa.

From Cyprus, as I Saw It in 1879 by Baker, Samuel White, Sir

Oh! by the mildness of thy gentle sex, Attend my prayer.

From Maid of Orleans by Schiller, Friedrich

"You see, there are no women in our country; and six months without a word or a smile from your gentle sex makes a man ready to hate himself and his fellow-creatures."

From The Silver Horde by Beach, Rex Ellingwood

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