ladies first
Gallant door etiquette
Ladies first is a phrase announcing or invoking the convention that women should be allowed to go ahead of men—through doorways, into elevators, off sinking ships.
The custom reflects old-fashioned chivalry: Ladies first, he said, holding the door.
The phrase can be used earnestly or with gentle irony, acknowledging the tradition while recognizing its dated quality.
- after youPolite yielding of precedence
- opening doorsCreating access or opportunity
- Victorian valuesStrict morality of 1800s Britain
- old fashionedNo longer contemporary
- politenessCourteous, respectful conduct
good manners · femininity · courtly love · respect · manners · chivalry · gallantry · knight in shining armor · deference · patriarchy · sexism · precedence · honor · graciousness · empowerment · protocol · courtesy · social etiquette
- Pleasantriesplease, thank you, thanks, sorry, excuse me
- social codessocial norms, social norm, unwritten rule, unspoken rule, unspoken rules
- precedencepriority, rank order, pecking order, chain of command, seniority
ladies firstgender equality
Equal treatment regardless sex
equal treatment · egalitarianism · gender-blind · first come first served · merit-based