A more appropriate word to describe girls who are rugged, sporty, NOT overtly girlish or frilly and less interested in clothes, makeup or remaining clean and
pretty while playing.
Girls who
play hard and are willing to get
dirty and even rough, often playing in and doing typical boys activities, even though WE"RE NOT BOYS! We just know how fun it is to play like a boy ;) . But calling a rugged, street savvy girl a 'tomboy' negates her uniqueness as a non-traditional female. This way that is still honored but recognizes her tough, sporty ways.
"I was a real tomgirl as a child; complete with a boys
bike, hotwheels and short hair."
"She's a total tomgirl, she just loves
rough-housing in the dirt, chasing and playing
hard with the boys without a worry for herself or her clothes!"