Why does this happen?

We talk about wee lassies here, or wee girruls (trying to write girls with a Scottish accent phonically!).

South Africans say 'man' all the time no matter who they are talking to as in "Geez, it's hot today, man!" Or "Come on, man, let's go to the beach".

My DSs and DGSs have always been known as "the boys" but DD and DGD have have never been known as "the girls" there are a number of names they could be called but I am too polite to put on here.
My friend from Newcastle always calls me "man woman" when we are in conversation which is typical of the area and I find endearing.

Ariadne, I had thought of that one too but it's not normally used to refer to little girls. A man might refer to his 'wee wifie' affectionately or patronisingly but not referring to his daughter.

Not related to gender, but ... actually in a way it is, because I've not heard this said about a woman! Why do people always say "a massive heart attack". My husband had one 5 years ago, but it was clearly not massive because he survived. So did he have a little heart attack?

I saw some graffiti once that said "Boys will be boys, but girls will be women"

DH is a Scot and has been known to use the phrase "wee wifie". Not very often, though . He learns quickly..

wisewoman It still happens. Sports commentators still often talk about the men's team and the girls' team.

Thanks for replying "ana". The use of language is so interesting when discussing gender. Twenty years ago I used to get irritated when the women I worked with were called "the girls in the office" even when near retirement age. Maybe the subtext is that girls don't ever grow up but boy will grow into men? Maybe I am just thinking too much!!! That Womens Studies course in the eighties had a lot to answer for.

Oh! I thought it was about boys and girls, Ana, but I do see what you mean.

But to me, Butty, a lass implies a girl, not a woman, so it wouldn't be the same (IYSWIM)

What about "the wee lassie" or "wee lass" ?

But you do say the wee girl. Wee women happen at the other end of life as they shrink with the years.

And 'Big Man'?

I must admit I've never thought about that before, wisewoman. Even south of the border some people refer to a boy as a 'little man', but I've not heard a female equivalent...