Do you find it condescending when someone says, "Good girl?"

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idk, but isn't it something you say to a dog? wouldn't you find it patronizing if they said it to someone over 12? Same thing with good boy. most ppl would prefer to be treated with dignity and respect.

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Type: Question • Score: 11 • Views: 18,260 • Replies: 56

[+3] - jespah - 02/07/2009I find [i]good girl[/i] to be creepy on every single level. I don't think anyone's said that to me since I was 6 and possibly earlier. I am 46, by the way (yes I know, BTW). I also agree re all...

@dirrtydozen22,

how old are you?

i would add a situation *edit* where i find it to be acceptable either way, but i dont know your age.

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@OGIONIK,

i'll be 20 on 2/22 lol.

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well, not being a girl, it would probably disturb me a little bit

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@djjd62,

ow ok anyone saying good girl that old is being condescending roflmfao.

unless its in the bedroom. then its fine : )

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@OGIONIK,

so my bff's mom was being condescending lol. as for the bedroom, i would never let anyone in! gross.

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To me it depends on who is saying "good girl" and in what tone of voice, and with what intent. Many ordinary words can have faintly unpleasant undertones of condescension, a kind of dismissiveness, when used in some ways. Actual girls are, of course, not dogs. Complicating things, a person may take words the wrong way, and - the person saying them may not be aware of how they can sound condescending, etc.

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@dirrtydozen22,

can you give the context of the use of the phrase?

i was figuring it was a stranger for some reason.

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@ossobuco,

oh i meant like when a girl does something right (i.e. chores, homework) and the following ppl says it:
1) parent
2) family friend
3) friend's parent
4) teacher
The total classic one is when a girl at work is very productive on her job and her boss says it to her. that makes me lmfao. definitely condescending lol.

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It's always up to you to see the glass half empty or optimistically half full.

I would take it as a compliment, nothing more and nothing less!

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@CalamityJane,

CalamityJane wrote:

It's always up to you to see the glass half empty or optimistically half full.

I would take it as a compliment, nothing more and nothing less!

good girl

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@dyslexia,

http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/he_and_she/tender.gif

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@dirrtydozen22,

I guess it depends on who is saying it and in what context. It certainly beats "nice work, you old broad".

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@dirrtydozen22,

Take it at face value.

Consider it a compliment and move on.

To hold on to whether it was condescending or not and THEN, potentially allow it to poison your relationship with your BFF or her mom is just not worth it. IMO

Let go.
Take it positively.
Don't dwell.
Move on with a smile.

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@dirrtydozen22,

I say good boy all the time. I think its cute as if they are my pet. Not in a condescending way... LOL

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Just about everybody I know says 'good girl' or 'good boy' to somebody in some contexts. Generally it is intended as an informal and affectionate expression of approval--possibly a bit condescending yes, but in a way not intended to be insulting and, so far as I know, is not taken as a put down or insult. It's just another way of saying "Way to go!" but I think is appropriate mostly between people who know each other pretty well.

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@dirrtydozen22,

I'm more likely to find it amusing than condescending or patronizing, but that probably has to do with my age (over 50) and the contexts that it has happened in.

I'm not out there looking for something to upset me, so it's unlikely that something like "good girl" would bother me. If I were looking to squabble, I'm sure it could set me off.

I don't think it's worth the energy to look for something minor to be upset about.

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after much thought and deliberation i've decided that if somebody said "good boy" to me, combined with a nice scratch under the chin or behind the ears and a treat, i'd be very happy indeed

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@ehBeth,

I'd sooner challenge a gorilla to a wrestling match than call you "girl"...except in the expression, "You go, girl!"

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@Frank Apisa,

After I wrestle you to the mat, you can say "good girl" and I won't be upset Laughing

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Do you find it condescending when someone says, "Good girl?"

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