General
sheila
What does sheila mean?
A woman or girl. Now somewhat dated and can be seen as sexist.
"There were a few sheilas down at the pub."
Origin
From the Irish name Síle (Sheila), generic for a woman since the 19th century.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'sheila' mean in Australia?
It's an informal, somewhat dated word for a woman or girl.
Is 'sheila' offensive?
It can come across as sexist or dismissive these days and is heard less often, so it's best used with care.
Where does the word 'sheila' come from?
It comes from the Irish name Síle (anglicised as Sheila), used generically for a woman since the 19th century.
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