little lady
The phrase "little lady" can be affectionate, respectful, or condescending, depending on the context and tone of the speaker.
Definition
B2General
(affectionate, informal)A term used to address a young girl or woman in a loving or respectful manner.
Example
- Come here, little lady, and tell me about your day.
- The cowboy tipped his hat and said, 'Good evening, little lady.'
B2General
(condescending, derogatory)A phrase used to address a woman or girl in a patronizing or dismissive way.
Example
- Don't worry your pretty head about it, little lady.
B2Relationships
(informal, playful)An old-fashioned or playful way to refer to one's wife or fiancée.
Example
- I have to check with the little lady before making any plans.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "little lady":
young ladylittle womanlady friendlittle girlold ladywhite ladylittle oneblack ladylittle manlittle guylady of leisureleading ladylady of the nightlittle oldsweet young thinglady's manlittle friendlady gardenlady of light virtueold girllady crablittle personnaked ladybaby dollwoman childgrande damelady fernladies' loungebig girllady's seallittle girls' roombest girlpainted ladyflower girlold woman