Are Women Back to Being Gals?

I was invited out to a Galentine's Day celebration. Although I am not for being called a "gal" ever again in my life, I tried to relate and understand this new fascination with a word that had been put to rest almost forty (40) years ago.

Most of the women were perfectly alright with being referred to as gals. I was amazed. The word "gal" has gone from being distasteful to being popularized all over again—not by men but by the new day woman!

I guess, given sufficient time, women will be all right, with men whistling at them and making wolf calls.

Bob Dylan got it right back then, and he's right today -- These times, they are a changing!

Having now said my piece, the program was very nice, well executed, and enjoyed by all. The function was well attended. I just couldn't adjust to being a "gal" in 2025!

Growing up in Georgia, they told me a gal was a cow named Mary Jane, and if you had any sense, you would call me by my name!

The above sentence says a lot about my attitude and disdain for being called a gal or for ever thinking that women should be called gals. Here's a little bit more on the subject of being a gal.

I am a product of the coming of age of women in American society, and I find the use of the word gal in reference to me, Black women, and women in general offensive. I am not a chick; I don't lay eggs. I am not a girl; I am a woman, and I prefer just being called by my name.

Back in my day, men often referred to women as gals and were meant to be flirtatious, derogatory, or put down.

This year, Galentine's Day is the word of the day for Valentine's Day. I am at wow. If you do not know your history, you are definitely more likely than not to repeat it.

Things do change, but all change is not necessarily better. Sometimes, change can be more harmful than good, and being an educated Black woman who has had to fight for everyday acceptance in American society, I refuse to go backward. For me, gal is a step backward and going in the wrong direction.