the fair sex

the fair/fairer sex

(old-fashioned)

women

Usage notes: Some women think this phrase is offensive.

My father hated the idea of me joining the army. He always said it wasn't a suitable occupation for the fair sex.

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Chibueze	-	Western African, Igbo
Bass	['bæs]
Balcombe	['bælkəum]
Heitor	-	Portuguese
Alv	-	Norwegian
Hiawatha	hie-ə-WAHTH-ə (English)	History, Native American, Iroquois