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Literary notes about girly (AI summary)

In literary texts, "girly" functions as a multifaceted term that both underscores traditional feminine qualities and interrogates gender norms. It can evoke sentimentality and softness, as when characters engage in a "girly-girly heart-to-heart talk" [1] or express gentle affection [2]. At the same time, it is sometimes used critically to denote effeminacy or weakness, as seen in dismissive allusions to a tantrum [3] or in cautioning against certain behaviors [4]. The term's versatility is further illustrated by its application beyond human traits, such as assigning the gentle name "Girly-face" to a state elephant, emphasizing calmness and benignity [5][6]. This array of uses highlights the rich, context-dependent power of "girly" to both reinforce and subvert societal expectations.
  1. "Just a girly-girly heart-to-heart talk.
    — from The Monk of Hambleton by Armstrong Livingston
  2. “I think she'll be a good girly now,” says grand-daddy, gentle-like.
    — from The Confessions of a Daddy by Ellis Parker Butler
  3. An' this last stunt of hers was no girly tantrum, as Beldin' calls it.
    — from Desert Gold by Zane Grey
  4. A woman at your time of life, and drawing near death's door, Should not play with the girly girls, and think she's en rapport .
    — from Echoes from the Sabine Farm by Horace
  5. So they told the king that ‘Girly-face’ had gone mad, and killed every one he caught sight of.
    — from Buddhist birth stories; or, Jataka tales, Volume 1
  6. At that time the king had a state elephant, named ‘Girly-face,’ who was good and gentle, and would hurt nobody.
    — from Buddhist birth stories; or, Jataka tales, Volume 1

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