For a while, “lady” and “ladies” were a no-no. But they have shot back into prominence.
Another exchange with my 22-year-old daughter Maria.
Maria Yagoda: Just about a year ago, a friend (female, needless to say) texted me suggesting we meet up for coffee. The text started, “Hey Lady!” And then almost immediately, it seemed that Lady had become the most popular way for young women to address other young women, predominantly by electronic means. Just a couple of recent examples from my newsfeed and text inbox:
“Thanks Lady”
“Lady! Let’s hang out!”
“Happy birthday pretty lady 
”
Well before the singular lady took hold, the plural form was out there—that is, women addressing women, collectively, as “ladies.” Back in 2008, Beyonce recorded “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It).” There’s a…