What does gurl mean?
“Gurl” is an informal, nonstandard spelling of “girl,” especially associated with African American English and now common in social-media, fashion, and identity-based slang. It usually denotes a girl or young woman, and speakers may use it about themselves to signal style, confidence, or membership in a community. The spelling is not merely a random substitution: its altered vowel sound gives the word a deliberately distinct voice, while its meanings range from casual reference to a self-fashioned label. In contexts outside the communities and registers in which it is established, the word can sound affected, juvenile, or mocking, so speakers should consider audience and intent. Because “gurl” has become visible in usernames, group chats, captions, and branding, many users encounter it before learning that ordinary “girl” is the standard dictionary spelling. Nevertheless, it remains a recognizable and distinctive word rather than a misspelling with a single fixed meaning.
nounAn informal, nonstandard spelling of “girl,” used especially in African American English and often with reference to a Black girl or young woman. The spelling may function as a self-styled label and is not accepted as standard spelling.
- A girl or young woman, especially a Black girl, in informal American usage.
"Her friends told her that every gurl in the group chat had already bought a ticket."
"The group chat was full of gurls debating which outfit to wear."
"In the video, she introduces herself as a gurl who makes her own clothes."
The standard plural is “gurls,” although plural marking is not always used in informal speech.
"The gurls in the group chat were planning their next outing."
Not just a quirky spelling: “gurl” is closely associated with Black English and is often reclaimed as a self-fashioned label.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gurl come from?
“Gurl” is a stylized respelling of the established English word “girl,” rather than a separate formation with a different root. “Girl” itself comes from Middle English and Old English gyrl, a Germanic word for a young woman or maiden, and belongs to the same family as girlhood, girlish, and girly. The respelling became especially associated with African American English and later broader online usage, although its precise earliest attestation is not firmly established.
Related word forms
How gurl is actually used
Informal and nonstandard. It is especially associated with African American English and with social-media, fashion, and identity-based slang. In-group or self-referential use may be affectionate and reclaiming, while dismissive use about someone else can sound mocking. Capitalization varies in names, usernames, and branding.
Easily confused with gurl
“Girl” is the standard spelling, while “gurl” is an informal, stylized respelling associated especially with African American English and online usage.