The term fair sex is an old-fashioned example of referring to women collectively or in general. The term has other forms as 'the fair sex', and 'fairer sex'. It had been used as an euphemism for describing women as 'physically beautiful'.

It is evident that the term (fair sex) was used in conversations to refer to women rather in a facetious manner. Because this term refers to the physical appearance of women and girls, it began to be considered inappropriate gradually.