young lady

plural young ladies

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see young, lady.

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

   2002, Loretta J. Brunious, Constructing social reality: self-portraits of Black children, page 125

   1 more example

   “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.

   2003, Debra Mullins, A Necessary Bride, page 16

2. A term of endearment or admonishment by adults for a young girl.

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

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

   1 more example

   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.

   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