Las chicas

09:06 Feb 13, 2012 

This question about cultural usage is very interesting. I see you are from/based in Montevideo, Virginia. Can you throw any light on a recent racist issue in the UK when footballer Luis Suárez called a black player 'negrito' (I believe). It would depend on the tone of voice, of course, but could the word be used just as a put-down not as a racial slur? After all, we have 'mi morena', 'mi mulata' etc.

01:08 Feb 13, 2012 

When you say "women of all ages", what specific range are you referring to? Somehow, in a context such as this, to say 'girls' just makes it sound like a sweatshop.

00:35 Feb 13, 2012 

Actually, Henry, the translation is not aimed at one country in particular. The book is going to be taken to Europe (specifically Milano and Paris) to show the origin of some garments and accessories which will be presented at international fashion shows and which were hand-woven by indigenous communities. The English translation aims at the non-French/Italian speaking public.

23:41 Feb 12, 2012 

Given the diversity of opinions, regional or country differences could exist here. Thus it would be appropriate to mention the destination country as CONTEXT. After all, English-speakers do not all share the same language.

23:33 Feb 12, 2012 

I'm from SE England and I've never heard a woman being called a girl. I've only ever heard people using "the old girl" when they want to refer to an elderly lady or a man's wife. I've only heard Tina Turner use "girls" to refer to all the females who were at a concert (Tina Live in Europe)! And when she asks, "Are there are any girls out there?" at first there is hardly any reply!

23:12 Feb 12, 2012 

How is "chicas" used in your part of the world? Over here (UK), "girls" is widely used in this kind of context. The asker indicates the usage is friendly so I'm not sure why you think "girls" is misleading.

21:39 Feb 12, 2012 

Men can be called men, blokes, guys, lads, chaps, etc. but I think women are "only" women :-)