When a girl says “period” she is most likely referring to menstruation or her monthly menstrual cycle. Menstruation is a natural biological process that women experience starting in puberty. During a girl’s menstrual cycle, the uterus sheds its lining which results in bleeding for 3-7 days. This bleeding is the “period.”
Saying “period” is a common slang term girls and women use to refer to their menstruation. It can be used as a declaration, exclamation, or explanation. For example:
- “Ugh, I got my period today.”
- “Period! You’re so right.”
- “Sorry I’ve been moody, I’m on my period.”
Beyond literal menstruation, the word “period” can have additional meanings and uses in everyday conversation among girls and women.
As a Declaration of Menstruation
One of the most common ways girls use “period” in conversation is simply to declare or announce that their period has started.
For example:
- “Period. My cycle just started today.”
- “I’m on my period so no swimming for me this week.”
- “Ugh…period cramps.”
Girls often tell their close friends or mothers as a factual statement that they got their period. This serves as an announcement about their current status and implies they may need to request period products, avoid certain activities, or deal with period symptoms like cramps, bloating, and moodiness.
The nonchalant use of “period” shows the girl is comfortable discussing menstruation openly. It also creates an opportunity for other girls to express empathy or offer advice if it is the girl’s first period or she is struggling with period pain.
As an Exclamation Point in Conversation
Girls may also use the word “period” as an exclamation point after making a definitive or meaningful statement.
For example:
- “I’m not going to let anyone disrespect me, period.”
- “She’s lying, period.”
- “Mind your business, period.”
In this context, “period” emphasizes the finality and decisiveness of the declaration. It shuts down the conversation on the topic and implies the speaker will not entertain further discussion or debate.
Using “period” to emphasize a statement may signal:
- Confidence – The girl making the statement feels strongly and is firm in her convictions.
- Assertiveness – She is putting her foot down on the issue.
- Empowerment – The girl is establishing boundaries and standing up for herself.
So the use of “period” packs a punch and shows the girl is not to be swayed or crossed.
As an Explanation for Moods or Behaviors
Girls may explain their moods, behaviors or preferences by casually stating, “I’m on my period.” Their period has started so that is the reason behind being more irritable, emotional, bloated, or wanting to lay low.
Examples include:
- “Sorry I snapped at you earlier. I’m on my period and feeling extra sensitive.”
- “I’m going to skip gym class today. I’m on my period and need to take it easy.”
- “Let’s just stay in and watch movies. I’m on my period and not up for a big night out.”
Mentioning your period excuses moods like irritability and isolation seeking behaviors that may be seen during menstruation. It provides context on why the girl may act differently at certain times of the month.
Other girls are likely to be sympathetic and grant leeway if someone is on their period. Cramps, bloating, and hormonal changes can truly make a girl feel unwell or altered. So “I’m on my period” quickly communicates why the girl might say no to certain social activities or seem more sensitive.
As a Comeback in Banter
Girls may jokingly use “period” as a sassy comeback or put down if someone insults or dismisses them during friendly banter.
For example:
- Person 1: “You’re so lazy getting up at 11am every weekend.”
- Person 2: “Uh I’m on my period, so period.”
- Person 1: “Ew did you see what she was wearing?”
- Person 2: “Stop judging people just because they aren’t basic. Period.”
The “period” comeback sarcastically brushes off the other person’s comment as irrelevant or ill-informed. It dismissively implies the speaker does not need to justify themselves to the other person.
Using “period” in this context may communicate:
- Sassiness – The girl is showing attitude and sass in her response.
- Empowerment – She is disregarding an insult or judgement.
- Wittiness – She came up with a funny, original comeback using “period.”
So in friendly banter between girls, the “period” comeback quickly shuts down the other person with attitude.
To Signal Solidarity Between Girls
Girls may also use the word “period” to bond with other girls during conversations about gender-specific experiences.
For example, a girl might say “Period!” in enthusiastic agreement when commiserating about:
- Period cramps
- Remembering pads and tampons
- Dealing with premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Having to wear uncomfortable bras during certain times of the month
- Putting up with sexist remarks or double standards
Exclaiming “Period!” shows the girl relates to and validates the other’s experience as a fellow menstruating female.
The shared experience of getting a period every month can create solidarity between girls going through the same biological events. Using “period” reminds each other that they know exactly what the other is dealing with.
So in empathetic conversations, “period!” expresses a sense of bonding and understanding between girls.
To Excuse a Loss of Composure
Girls may justify emotional outbursts or losses of composure by mentioning their period.
For example:
- “Sorry I broke down crying during that sad movie. I’m on my period and my emotions are all over the place.”
- “I know I overreacted when you cancelled our plans. I’m PMSing pretty bad this week.”
- “Don’t mind my mood swings today. Aunt Flo is in town and she’s not holding back.”
References to periods excuse surges in emotions like sudden crying, irritation, or temper flare ups. Girls can have intense hormonal fluctuations during different menstrual cycle phases which affect mood regulation.
Saying “I’m on my period” asks that allowances be made for irrational or atypical behaviors blamed on raging period hormones. It’s a way to acknowledge the girl behaved unusually emotionally while implying it’s temporary and not her fault.
After an emotional episode, mentioning menstruation serves as an apology and disclaimer that the girl wouldn’t normally act that way if not for period hormone chaos.
To Share Information or Seek Advice
Girls might mention getting their first period or ask period questions to female friends or relatives to get guidance about new experiences.
For example:
- “I just got my first period and I’m freaking out. What do I do?”
- “My cramps are really bad this month. Have you tried anything that helps with period pain?”
- “I bled through my pants at school. Any tips to avoid leaks and stains?”
Talking about getting a first period or asking about managing period symptoms opens the door to receiving wisdom from more experienced girls and women.
Sharing period details can also spark candid conversations about:
- What menstruation products work best
- How to track your cycle
- What period problems are normal vs abnormal
- Creative remedies for period headaches, cramps, acne, etc
Having open dialogue helps girls support each other, debunk period myths, and feel less self-conscious about their changing bodies.
So mentioning periods can provide helpful information and advice between girls navigating the learning curve of womanhood together.
To Signal Maturity and Womanhood
Girls may mention getting their first period to show they are maturing into a woman and entering a new life phase.
Starting your period is a pivotal rite of passage for girls that opens the door to womanhood. It means their bodies now have the capacity to have children someday.
For pre-teen and teen girls, getting a first period often stirs up mixed emotions like:
- Pride – Excitement to hit this female milestone
- Fear – Anxiety about handling periods and discomfort
- Vulnerability – Feeling unsure and self-conscious
Telling friends “I finally got my period!” allows girls to process these complex emotions and feel supported during a transitional time.
It also earns them congratulations and recognition from other girls who understand the significance of menarche (first period). They assure the girl that periods are natural and she can handle them just fine.
So proudly announcing “I got my period!” signals to other girls that an important step to womanhood has been reached.
To Gauge If a Potential Partner is Mature Enough
Girls may mention menstruation around boys or potential romantic partners to see how they react and gauge maturity.
If a boy grimaces, acts grossed out, or makes insensitive jokes, the girl learns he lacks the maturity to be in a relationship with someone who menstruates.
On the other hand, if the boy asks thoughtful questions and acts supportive instead of squeamish, the girl knows he respects womanhood and sees periods as normal.
For example:
- Girl: “Ugh, I’m on my period and my cramps are awful today.”
- Boy: “Aw, I’m sorry. Do you have a heating pad or anything I could get you to help?”
In this interaction, the boy responds with compassion instead of disgust. This signals he has the empathy and emotional intelligence for a healthy romantic relationship.
So mentioning periods tests a boy’s character and indicates if he should be considered relationship material or better suited as just a friend.
Conclusion
When a girl says “period”, she is likely referencing her menstrual cycle and period symptoms. Beyond the literal meaning, “period” can also signal solidarity, maturity, or serve as an idiomatic interjection during conversations with other girls.
How girls say “period” and in what contexts provides insight into their confidence level, personality, and worldview. Periods are a unique phenomenon girls experience from womanhood onward. Dropping “period” into chat can remind other girls of this shared life experience.
So next time you hear a girl exclaim “Period!” or declare she’s “on her period,” consider all the nuanced sentiments she may be trying to convey.With just one word, she leverages a distinctive female biology to bond, empathize, advise, and empower other girls.
| Usage of “Period” | What it Indicates |
|---|---|
| Stating “I’m on my period” as an FYI | Sends the message she may need to request period products, avoid certain activities, or excuse moods/behaviors. |
| Using “period” as an exclamation point | Shows confidence, assertiveness, and decisiveness. |
| Saying “I’m on my period” to explain behaviors | provides context for being irritable, wanting to lay low, or acting sensitive. |
| Comeback in banter | Brushes off insults and judgements with sass. |
| Exclaim “Period!” in agreement | Shows solidarity and mutual understanding of female experiences. |
| “I’m on my period” to excuse emotional reactions | Blames temporary mood instability on period hormone fluctuations. |
| Sharing period details or questions | Seeks advice and wisdom from more experienced girls and women. |
| “I got my first period!” | Announces this female rite of passage proudly. |
| Mention periods around a boy | Tests his maturity level and capacity to be in a relationship with someone who menstruates. |