No, the word fella does not mean girl. It is an informal term used exclusively to refer to a man or boy.
Understanding the Term 'Fella'
The term fella is a very informal contraction or variation of the word fellow. Historically, and in current common usage, fellow (and by extension, fella) refers to a man or a boy. It's often used in a friendly or casual manner, similar to saying "guy" or "chap."
Origins and Usage
- Derivation: Fella directly stems from fellow.
- Formality: It's considered a highly informal term.
- Gender: Its primary and almost exclusive application is to males.
For instance, you might hear phrases like:
- "He's a good fella."
- "Come on, fella, let's go."
- "Those fellas over there are friends of mine."
Comparison with Gendered Terms
To illustrate the distinction, consider how informal terms typically align with gender:
| Term | Gender Typically Refers To | Common Usage Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Fella | Male | "He's a sturdy fella." |
| Guy | Male (or general/mixed group) | "That guy is fast." / "You guys ready?" |
| Gal | Female | "She's a smart gal." |
| Bloke | Male (primarily UK) | "He's a decent bloke." |
| Chica | Female (Spanish origin) | "Hey, chica!" |
As shown, fella firmly belongs in the category of terms used for males.
Why 'Fella' Is Not Used for Girls
The definition and historical usage of fella consistently link it to male individuals. There is no linguistic basis or common cultural practice in English where fella would be used to refer to a girl or woman. Using fella to describe a female would sound grammatically incorrect and highly unusual to native English speakers, as it contradicts the established meaning and gender association of the word.
