OL
おーえる
noun
female office worker
1.
female office worker
A woman who works in an office, typically in clerical or administrative roles. From 'office lady', a Japanese-English term.
OLとして働いている。
I work as a female office worker.
近くのOLたちが昼食に来る。
Female office workers from nearby come here for lunch.
OL向けの雑誌が売れている。
Magazines targeted at female office workers are selling well.
ETYMOLOGY:
Abbreviation of 'office lady', a 和製英語 (Japanese-made English) term. Not used in English-speaking countries.
CULTURAL NOTE:
While still common, some consider OL dated or gender-stereotyping. More neutral terms like 会社員 (company employee) are often preferred in formal contexts.
USAGE:
Commonly used in:
- Marketing and advertising
- Fashion and lifestyle media
- Casual conversation
RELATED TERMS:
- サラリーマン - male office worker (also Japanese-English)