Attagirl

Part of speech: interjection

Pronunciation: /ˈætəˌɡɜː(ɹ)l/

Definitions

1. A supportive phrase used to acknowledge or commend female accomplishments or efforts in a positive manner
2. An expression of encouragement directed towards women, celebrating their successes or achievements with enthusiasm
3. A term used to express praise for a woman's achievement or effort while conveying encouragement and recognition of her successes

Etymology: "Attagirl" is a run-together, spoken-style form of "That's the girl!", an exclamation of encouragement used especially to children and pet dogs. The phrase compresses into a single word when said quickly, and the spelling reflects that: the first part sounds like "at" followed by "a" and the stressed "girl," which is why the word is pronounced with its emphasis on the opening syllable. The original phrase is a straightforward construction: "that's" (that is) plus "the girl," used as praise directed at a child or animal that has done well. Its use with women came later, and the sense of celebrating a woman's success is what the word carries today. The interjection keeps the warm, pat-on-the-back tone of its origin, which is why it sounds at home in an encouraging remark to a child or dog just as much as in praise for an adult woman.

Synonyms: good job, well done