noun
Uncommon
gal
gal
Gal (noun) means an informal word for a girl or young woman. Example: “She's a tough gal who can handle anything.”
noun
1
An informal word for a girl or young woman.
"She's a tough gal who can handle anything."
"The gals from the office went out for lunch."
"My grandmother's best gal pal lives just down the road."
How to use gal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual way of saying "girl" or "woman."
When to use it
Informal and conversational; common in American English, especially Southern speech.
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Word forms
- Plural
- gals
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She's a tough _____ who can handle anything.
Etymology
A casual, dialectal pronunciation of "girl," first recorded in the late 1700s.
Class of 1700
gal joined the language around 1700.
See the full Class of 1700 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “gal” mean?
The word “gal” means an informal word for a girl or young woman. In plain terms, a casual way of saying "girl" or "woman.".
How do you pronounce “gal”?
“Gal” is pronounced gal (/ɡæl/ in IPA).
How do you use “gal” in a sentence?
Here is “gal” used in a sentence: “She's a tough gal who can handle anything.”
What part of speech is “gal”?
“Gal” is a noun.
Where does the word “gal” come from?
The word “gal” dates back to around 1700. A casual, dialectal pronunciation of "girl," first recorded in the late 1700s.
Is “gal” a common word?
“Gal” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between gal and girl?
Gal is an informal, casual synonym for girl or young woman, often carrying a friendly or folksy tone. Girl is the neutral, standard term, while gal is used mainly in relaxed spoken conversation rather than formal writing.
Is gal considered old-fashioned or regional?
Gal can sound somewhat old-fashioned or regionally colored, particularly associated with informal American speech such as "my gal" or "you go, gal." It remains understood everywhere but is less common in modern formal or written English.
Is gal appropriate to use in formal writing?
No, gal is an informal word and is not appropriate for formal writing, professional communication, or academic contexts. It is best reserved for casual conversation or informal, friendly writing.
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