Definition of the word bachelor girl

The term "bachelor girl" emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the changing roles of women in society. The word can be traced back to its literal meaning, which refers to a woman who remains unmarried and doesn't have a husband, similar to how the term "bachelor" is used for unmarried men. The term "bachelor girl" gained popularity during the Victorian era, a time when the idea of a single woman living independently was not widely accepted. Single women who chose not to marry, often due to societal pressures or personal preferences, were viewed with suspicion and were associated with immoral careers and questionable lifestyles. The term "white-collar girl" overlapped with "bachelor girl," as many single women found work in white-collar jobs in offices and stores, taking on roles and responsibilities that were previously exclusive to men. This trend was a result of the changing economic conditions during the Industrial Revolution, as women were increasingly becoming part of the workforce. However, as women gained more social and economic opportunities, the term "bachelor girl" gradually fell out of favor, replaced by modernized terms such as "single" or "unmarried." The term is still used today in a more lighthearted and humorous context, but its historical significance serves as a reminder of the challenges and restrictions faced by women during a time when marriage and domesticity were considered the norm.