Girlfriend

A girlfriend is the female friend, acquaintance or partner, normally a female companion with whom one is platonically, romantically or sexually involved.

In the romantic context, this usually signifies a committed relationship where the individuals are not married. Other titles for example "wife" or "partner" usually signify that the individuals are legally married or otherwise in a hold of wedlock.

A girlfriend can also be called a sweetheart, darling, babe or honey.

The analogous male term is "boyfriend", which near always implies romantic involvement.

In the context of a platonic relationship, the term is usually used to refer to female-female relationships; in addition to the two word variation "girl friend" may be used to avoid implying a romantic or sexual relationship between the individuals.

Etymology

The word "girlfriend" was first used in 1863 as "a woman's female friend in youth.” In 1922, the word girlfriend was used to mean a man's "sweetheart".