Lady

Lady is a term of respect for a woman, the equivalent of gentleman. Once used to describe only women of a high social class or status, now it may refer to any adult woman. Informal use of this word is sometimes euphemistic ("lady of the night" for a prostitute) or, in American slang, condescending (equivalent to "mister" or "man").

Etymology

The word comes from Old English lǣfdīġe; the first part of the word is lǣf, "loaf", in the sense of bread-making. The primary meaning of "mistress of a household" is now mostly obsolete, save for the term landlady and in set phrases such as "the lady of the house." This meaning is retained in the southern states of the U.S. The term is also used in titles such as First Lady and Lady Mayoress, the wives of elected or appointed officials.

Usage

In British English, "lady" is often, but not always, simply a courteous synonym for "woman". Public toilets are often distinguished by signs showing simply "Ladies" or "Gentlemen". It is also used in such terms as "tea lady" and "sandwich lady", and in healthcare settings for a nurse who carries out personal care.

See also

• w:Gentleman
• w:Lord
• w:Sir
• w:Dame
• w:Madam

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