dangerous woman

A dangerous woman is one who poses a threat—physically, socially, or to established power structures.

The phrase can be literal: The suspect is considered a dangerous woman; do not approach.

More often it carries admiring or provocative connotations, suggesting a woman who defies expectations, wields influence, or refuses to be controlled: She's a dangerous woman—she knows exactly what she's worth.

The term gained cultural currency through Ariana Grande's 2016 album celebrating female empowerment and sexuality.