Stop Running Like a Girl!
Why It’s Time to Run Past Old Insults
If you've ever been told, “Stop running like a girl!”, congratulations! You’ve been handed a front-row ticket to the absurd theater of gender stereotypes. The phrase, often flung around on school playgrounds and sports fields, is meant as an insult. But why? Why is running like a girl supposed to be an inferior way to run? And more importantly, why are we still using phrases that undermine half the human population?
It’s time to lace up our metaphorical (and literal) running shoes and sprint past these outdated notions. Let’s break down why these so-called insults need to be left in the dust—and how we can turn them into fuel for empowerment.
The Origins of an Insult
Somewhere in history, someone decided that physical activity associated with girls was weak, fragile, and unathletic. The phrase “like a girl” became shorthand for being less capable. But here’s the kicker—this assumption has nothing to do with reality and everything to do with outdated societal norms.
The same people who say, “Don’t throw like a girl,” conveniently forget that Serena Williams serves at 128 mph. They say, “Don’t fight like a girl,” as if they’ve never heard of Rani Lakshmibai, the warrior queen who led an army against the British.
It’s almost as if the insult was never about athleticism at all, but about reinforcing a narrative where boys were strong, and girls were supposed to stay in the background.
Rewriting the Playbook
Let’s be real. If someone says, “You run like a girl,” the correct response should be, “Thank you!” Because running like a girl means running like Hima Das, the first Indian athlete to win gold at the IAAF World Championships. It means running like PT Usha, who ruled the tracks long before sports infrastructure even supported female athletes properly.
The insult only works if we agree that being a girl is a weakness. But what if we flip the script? What if we teach young girls (and boys) that being compared to a girl is actually a compliment? Imagine a world where “like a girl” means strong, determined, and unstoppable.
From Playground Insults to Real-World Consequences
The problem isn’t just that kids say mean things on the playground. It’s that these phrases shape how we see ourselves. If you repeatedly hear that girls are not as strong, fast, or capable, you might just start believing it.
Studies have shown that by the time girls reach adolescence, their confidence drops significantly compared to boys. Many start doubting their abilities, avoiding leadership roles, and even stepping back from sports altogether. Why? Because phrases like “Don’t act like a girl” or “Man up” have conditioned them to believe that being feminine equals being weak.
Now, apply this logic to the workplace. If a woman is assertive, she’s too aggressive. If she’s soft-spoken, she’s too timid. The same stereotypes follow her, just in different forms. The seeds of self-doubt planted in childhood continue to bloom into adulthood.
What Can We Do About It?
Call It Out – The next time someone says, “Stop crying like a girl,” ask them what they mean. If they imply that girls are overly emotional, remind them that emotional intelligence is a leadership skill. If they mean girls cry more, ask them why society has conditioned boys not to express their feelings.
Redefine Strength – Strength is not about how loudly you shout or how much you bench press. Strength is resilience. It’s running towards your goals despite obstacles. It’s standing up for yourself and others. It’s speaking out when something isn’t right. And guess what? Girls do this every single day.
Change the Narrative – Instead of saying, “Don’t be such a girl,” how about, “Be like a girl—because girls are fearless, talented, and powerful.” Let’s turn these phrases into compliments instead of insults.
Lead by Example – Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who interacts with kids, be mindful of the language you use. If a young girl is running fast, tell her she looks like an athlete, not “surprisingly fast for a girl.” If a boy wants to express his emotions, let him know that strength isn’t about hiding feelings but understanding them.
Running Past the Old Mindset
Picture this: A future where “like a girl” means extraordinary. Where young girls don’t feel the need to shrink themselves to fit outdated standards. Where young boys grow up knowing that equality benefits everyone. Where phrases that once insulted now empower.
And just like that, we’re no longer running like a girl. We’re just running—fast, strong, and free.
So, the next time someone tries to use “like a girl” as an insult, just smile and say, “You mean like a champion? Thanks!”