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Girlfriend vs Beau - What's the difference?

girlfriend | beau | Related terms |

Girlfriend is a related term of beau.


As a noun girlfriend

is a female partner in a romantic relationship.

As a proper noun beau is

(male) used since mid-twentieth century.

girlfriend

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • A female partner in a romantic relationship.
    • Marc went to the park with his girlfriend and watched the sunset with her.
  • A female friend.
    • Mary always enjoyed hanging out with her girlfriend Jessica.

    Synonyms

    * (female friend) chickfriend (slang)

    Usage notes

    * The term is used to describe any girl or woman in a romantic relationship with another person. * An adult woman in such a non-marital relationship is sometimes described instead as a significant other'' or ''partner'', especially if the two partners are living together. Since ''girlfriend'' and ''partner mean different things to different people, the distinctions between the terms are subjective, and which term is used in a relationship will ultimately be determined by personal preference. * The use of girlfriend for a female non-romantic friend of another female is limited in geographic distribution and sometimes preferred by older generations of speakers.

    Alternative forms

    * girl friend * girl-friend

    See also

    female partner in a romantic relationship * boyfriend * * lover * partner * significant other * sweetheart * wife * lady friend a female friend * boyfriend * buddy * friend * pal

    beau

    English

    Noun

    (en-noun)
  • (dated) A man with a reputation for fine dress and etiquette; a dandy or fop.
  • * 1811 , Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility , chapter 21
    • “I do not comprehend the meaning of the word. But this I can say, that if he ever was a beau before he married, he is one still, for there is not the smallest alteration in him.”
    “Oh! dear! one never thinks of married mens’(SIC) being beaux —they have something else to do.”
  • (dated) A male lover; a boyfriend.
  • * 1917 , Kate Douglas Wiggin, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm , p. 142:
    • Hannah's beau takes all her time 'n' thought, and when she gits a husband her mother'll be out o' sight and out o' mind.
  • * 2009 , Philippa Bourke, Monsters and Critics [http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1518335.php/Kristin-Davis-takes-cover-on-beach-with-beau#ixzz0ZRsqa5SS], Dec 10, 2009:
    • Kristin Davis has taken time out to enjoy the surf and sand with her Australian beau , photographer Russell James.
  • A male escort.

    • See also

    * beau- * beautiful * Beau

    References

    * English nouns with irregular plurals ----