My dad uses "female" as a noun. Which is correct according to the dictionary, but always rings SO condescending to me. And recently my sort-of boss (the mean one) decided to add that to our house style -- "female" and "male" as nouns.
Yes, it bugs.
Ladies don't sweat, they glisten
Or the famed “Horses sweat, men perspire, women only glow” Which I hear in a “genteel” southern accent in my head (a la Blanche Deveraux)
Lastly, something that puzzles me in this conversation. When I think of powerhouse female collegiate basketball, I think of the "Lady Vol's" from Tennessee.
Doesn’t make it any less insulting to the women. And I’ll bet that some guy came up with it without consulting the women.