Yes, according to one of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) definitions, the term "Gypsy" can refer to a woman, which implies the female gender.
Understanding the Term "Gypsy"
The term "Gypsy" has multiple historical and cultural contexts, and its usage can vary. When considering the specific question of whether "A Gypsy" can be a girl, it's important to look at its definitional attributes regarding gender.
Oxford English Dictionary Definition
Based on the provided reference from the Oxford English Dictionary, one particular definition highlights its use in a gender-specific manner:
term for a woman, as being cunning, deceitful, fickle, or the like … 04-Dec-2009
This definition explicitly associates the term with the female gender ("a woman").
Gender Implication
While "girl" typically refers to a young female and "woman" refers to an adult female, both fall under the umbrella of the female sex. Therefore, if the term "Gypsy" is defined as a "term for a woman," it directly relates to the female gender. In this specific definitional context, a "Gypsy" would be understood as female.
To further clarify, here's a breakdown of the key information from the OED definition:
Aspect | Description |
---|---|
Core Usage | Term for a woman |
Associated Traits | As being cunning, deceitful, fickle, or the like (these are historical descriptors often associated with this particular usage and are provided as context within the dictionary definition, dating back to 2009 in this reference). |
Key Takeaways
- The question "Is A Gypsy a girl?" pertains to the gender implied by the term.
- One specific OED definition explicitly links "Gypsy" to being a "woman," thereby indicating the female gender.
- Since girls are young females, and women are adult females, this definition confirms the female gender association of the term in this context.
This analysis focuses solely on the provided dictionary definition regarding the gender aspect of the term.