Pronunciation: [ɡˈama͡ɪnz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "gamines" is derived from French. The /g/ sound is pronounced like a soft "j" and the letter "e" at the end is pronounced as a neutral vowel, which is similar to the "uh" sound. The stress falls on the second syllable, with a short /a/ sound. The final "s" is pronounced as a voiced /z/ sound. In English, "gamines" refers to streetwise young girls who are usually from a disadvantaged background.
Gamines, also spelled gamins, is a term derived from the French language, with multiple meanings depending on the context. In general, gamines refer to young girls or spirited, mischievous children, often evoking a sense of lively playfulness and free-spiritedness. The term can be used to describe both the physical appearance and the behavior of individuals.
When referring to physical appearance, gamines usually depict girls with boyish or androgynous features. They are characterized by short hair, a lack of overt femininity, and an overall tomboyish style. This term is commonly associated with fashion and style, particularly in the context of women's fashion. A gamine style typically emphasizes simplicity, androgyny, and a youthful, carefree attitude.
In a broader sense, gamines can also refer to spirited and mischievous children, regardless of their gender. This usage is often found in literary works and storytelling. Gamines are portrayed as playful, free-spirited, and often full of energy. They are known for their enthusiasm, adventurousness, and sometimes even a streak of rebellion.
Overall, gamines refer to young girls with boyish features or behavior that embody a sense of liveliness, playfulness, and free-spiritedness. The term is versatile, being used in both the context of fashion to describe a particular style and in literature to portray spirited and mischievous children.
The word "gamines" is derived from the French term "gamine", which originally referred to a street urchin or a mischievous young girl. The term "gamine" in French was first recorded in the 16th century and is thought to have been derived from the Middle French word "gamin", meaning a young boy or a child. The exact etymology of "gamin" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the Old French word "game", meaning pleasure or fun. Over time, the term "gamine" has come to describe a playful, boyish girl, often with a tomboyish appearance and demeanor. In English, "gamines" is often used as a plural form of "gamine" to refer to a group of such girls or to describe their characteristics.
