young lady

young lady (plural young ladies)

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see young,‎ lady.
   • 2002, Loretta J. Brunious, Constructing social reality: self-portraits of Black children, page 125:

     You should try to act like a young lady, not a gang banger.

   • 2003, Debra Mullins, A Necessary Bride, page 16:

     “And you need to act like a young lady.” “Why, so you can marry me off and get rid of me?” She jumped to her feet.

2. A term of endearment or admonishment by adults for a young girl.
   • 1986, John and Leela Hort, The Inessential Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet: A shortened and simplified version in modern English, Act 3, Scene 5, page 34:

     Don't you "grateful" me, young lady. Get yourself ready to go with Paris to Saint Peter's church next Thursday, or I'll drag you there myself.

   • 2010, Odessa Cleveland, In the Zone of Changes, page 29:

     “Come back here, young lady! Get back here, now!”

• young-ladyish
• young-ladyism

• young man