fairer sex
Supposedly gentler half
Fairer sex is an old-fashioned or ironic term for women collectively: He was always awkward around the fairer sex.
The phrase assumes women are the more attractive or delicate sex.
Modern use is almost always playful or deliberately archaic, as the underlying assumption now sounds quaint or patronizing.
- misogynistOne who hates women
- skirtWaist-hung lower garment
- womanhoodAdult female state
- laceOpen-weave ornamental fabric
- antifeminismOpposition to gender equality
chauvinism · silk · patriarchy · sisterhood · rape · femininity · gendered language · ladyship · archaic language · slipper · blush · gown · pearls · asking for it · curls · fainting couch · honorifics · damsel in distress