The expression "You The Man" is generally used to compliment a male. Can this expression be used to compliment a female? If not, what is a suitable alternative?
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1Yes, it can be; yes, I have used it thus. No, not everyone will like it, but someone will always take exception to something. Perhaps take your audience into consideration. – Anonym Jul 19 '15 at 21:11
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1When said to a woman it needs to be with a certain sense of humor. But if the woman is a feminist to any significant degree it could count as a strong complement. (OTOH, if the attribute being praised is, say, her looks, and she's NOT a feminist, then it could be taken as a serious insult.) – Hot Licks Jul 19 '15 at 21:44
"You go, girl!" is one alternative, with similar connotations and sociolect, that could be used with females.
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I agree that "you the man" is not gender-neutral, and that "you go, girl" is a good gender-swapped analogue. I also think that both phrases bear an indelible taint of cultural appropriation and haven't been acceptable for non-ironic use since about 1996 at the latest. – Doug Warren Jul 19 '15 at 21:15
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Of course, saying "you go girl" to a guy would strongly imply that you think he's gay. – Hot Licks Jul 19 '15 at 21:58
