I've become slowly aware that to call this group of people girls is potentially creepy and patronising...and to call them women is potentially patronising and creepy. I can tell you that is wasn't a pleasant experience being called a chauvinist when referring to "my women".

It seems to me also that to refer to this particular ilk as maidens is possibly old-fashioned...and in some cases it turns out, even factual inaccurate! The only time I recall such a term not being registered with a strong level of puzzlement was when I was dressed as a pirate, where it was merely clocked with laughter.

This has been a wakeful dilemma for me...I hope that you can provide me with satisfaction!