For as long as I can remember, I have heard other chiropractors (and other professionals) refer to their female staff members as “girls.” “My girls will handle that.” “Take that up front to the girls.”

One might think that only male professionals are guilty of this – but I’ve heard it from plenty of female professionals as well.

I am going to give them collectively the benefit of the doubt- I believe that few of them have any idea that this terminology is offensive. Most professionals whom I have heard use this terminology are compassionate and caring people.

The term “girl” is appropriately used to refer to a female under the age of 18. That’s all. When used to refer to women over 18, it comes off as derogatory. Especially when employers are using the term to refer to their employees. This makes it sound like you are putting your staff members on a level below you.

Using historically juvenile words to refer to people who are no longer children has been used as an oppressive tool in other contexts, marking the habit as a harmful one.

Maddie Crum, Hey, Girl, The History Of The Word ‘Girl’ Is Actually Crazy

I employ one man and eight women on my team. I refer to them collectively as “my staff,” “my team,” “hey crew,” “hey all,” or just individually by their names. I couldn’t serve my patients without my amazing team members. They deserve the utmost respect.

If you ask your female staff members if being referred to as “girls” is offensive to them, they may tell you it isn’t. They might be telling you the truth. Consider also that they might not, so as not to offend you – their boss. Even if your staff members are not offended, be aware that your patients are listening and making judgments about your character based on your words.

Consider that the words “my boys” would never be used in this manner.

Times have changed. Sensibilities have changed. The dictionary has changed. For the benefit of your business, please consider dropping “my girls” from your vocabulary, unless you’re referring to your daughters.