Of course, “fellow” is a common word when talking about men. You might call male friends “fellows” (like a “jolly good fellow”). But is there an equivalent for women?
Well, you’re in luck! This article has all the answers you’ll need.
We’ve gathered the best synonyms to show you the female equivalent of fellow.
Female Version of “Fellow”
- Lady
- Gal
- Girl
- Fellow
- Filly
- Woman
- Fellowess
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Fellow” is a gender-neutral term, making it acceptable for men and women.
- “Lady” is a good formal alternative if you’re looking for a more obvious female word.
- “Gal” works well as an informal synonym if only referring to a woman.
Keep reading to learn more about the most useful phrases from this list. We’ll cover the best words formally and informally to help you regardless of your written tone.
Or, if you’re simply looking to learn more about “fellow,” go to the final section. We’ve explained whether “fellow” is gender-neutral and if you can use it for only men or both men and women.
Lady (Formal)
The best formal alternative to “fellow” is “lady.” It also happens to be the most direct and clear way to refer to a woman rather than a man.
While “fellow” isn’t gender-neutral (covered in the final section), it’s typically assumed that it means a man.
However, “lady” can never mean man. It strictly relates to women, making it a clear winner when you’re referring to a woman.
The only thing you need to worry about is that it’s incredibly formal. You won’t often hear “lady” used except at formal events or in invitations.
Otherwise, stick to slightly less formal options. They tend to sound less pretentious, after all!
Here are two examples to help you understand it better:
Dear Ms. Bridgette,
I have spoken to the lady about her conduct. She will get back to you shortly.
All the best,
Sarah Walker
The lady had decided on her attire already. There wasn’t anything we could do to change her mind.
Gal (Informal)
Now, for a more informal option, try “gal.” It’s a slightly more conversational take on “girl” (which is another common way to refer to a woman).
Including the “a” in the middle rather than the “ir” in “girl” is a great option. It shows you’re more friendly with the person you’re talking about.
However, “gal” isn’t always the most natural word to use. Sometimes, it can sound a tiny bit forced.
You should only use it when you’re close to the girl in question. If you don’t know her very well, using “gal” might make you seem a little bit strange.
It’s still one of the best informal options, though.
And, just like “lady,” it only applies to women. You wouldn’t be able to say “gal” when referring to a man.
Here are a few examples to help you see it in action:
That’s the gal that I trust with this information. I hope she’s ready to start taking on the challenge.
My gals will be here shortly. I can’t wait for them to see what’s going to happen tonight!
Is “Fellow” Gender Neutral?
One thing we’ve yet to touch on is that “fellow” is already acceptable for women. Yes, that’s right. It’s a gender-neutral term.
Contrary to popular belief, “fellow” is not gender-specific. Of course, it tends to refer more to men than women, but that doesn’t mean it only applies to the male gender.
The same can be said for using “guys” to refer to a group of people. “Guys” is gender-neutral, working for both men and women (even though it was once believed it only meant men).
You can also write the following:
- Fella
Of course, this is a more informal take on “fellow.” It’s still gender-neutral, working for both men and women. However, it only works in the most informal of circumstances.
Then, there’s always “fellowship.” This is a group of “fellows” who get together or share a common interest. And again, it applies to both men and women with no discrimination.