Definition of the word old girl

The expression "old girl" has its roots in the British educational system, particularly in the context of women's colleges. It began as a term of endearment for former students, primarily women, who graduated from these institutions. The term "old girl" is believed to have originated in the 1870s at the Women's College, Cambridge (now known as Newnham College), where the first class of women graduated. The female student body was referred to as girls, regardless of their age, and the term "old girl" came to be used to signify graduates or former students from these colleges. At that time, there were many restrictions on women's education, and separate women's colleges were established to provide an alternative. These colleges received criticism and were often overlooked by the larger, well-known universities like Oxford and Cambridge. As a result, former students felt a sense of loyalty and attachment to their colleges, which is reflected in the endearing term "old girl". Today, the term is still used in Britain, particularly in the context of women's colleges, such as Girton College at Cambridge and Bedford College at London University. It is also used more broadly to refer to women who have attended previous all-girls schools, such as Queensgate School and North London Collegiate School. In summary, the origin of the term "old girl" can be traced back to the late 19th century, when women's colleges emerged as an alternative to the male-dominated university system. It started as a term of endearment for former students of these colleges, and has since become a part of British colloquial and educational discourse.