Meaning of French mademoiselle in English

Mademoiselle is the traditional French term for “miss” and was once the standard way to address an unmarried woman, similar to madame for a married woman. It comes from “ma demoiselle,” meaning “my young lady.”

In modern France, the use of mademoiselle has significantly declined. Since 2012, it has been officially removed from government forms and replaced with madame to avoid assumptions about a woman’s marital status. While older generations and some traditional settings may still use it, it is now often seen as outdated or even sexist.

Despite its decline in France, mademoiselle remains a recognizable term worldwide, especially in cultural references like “Mademoiselle from Armentières” or Chanel’s “Coco Mademoiselle” perfume. The shift away from the term reflects broader social changes, but its historical and stylistic significance keeps it alive in various contexts.