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!"