"Chick Flick" is not a film genre!

So I've surveyed multiple people using the term "chick flick" for certain types of movies. The utilization of varying terms to refer to and classify films is nothing new to me. More-so, I understand both the need and legitimacy of such a classification.

For example, the term "film noir" is a term developed in the 1940s for a new and emerging genre. Film noir is now an excellent topic of film study, much like the Civil War to Historians.

However, unlike film noir, "chick flick" is not a legitimate genre. This, of course, begs the question: "What makes a film genre?" A film genre is used to refer to a group of films with similar characteristics. The term used is used to refer solely to those characteristics. There is a fundamental flaw with the term"chick flick" because while it may be understood that it refers to the films contained within the romantic comedy genre, "chick flick" literally is referring to the audience of the film.

I have two issues with this logic. One, by the definition of "film genre" chick flick could only refer to a film with an all female cast. However, since the only film of this type is The Women and therefore there is no reason for a new genre. Two, if romantic comedies are referred to as "chick flicks" then it insinuates the films are to be enjoyed by women and not men. By the logic of people using "chick flick" action movies should be called, "bro shows", or movies featuring a predominately Black cast should be called "black flicks". I believe all of these references, including "chick flick" are insulting.

The choice is yours, but I have not nor will not use "chick flick" to incorrectly or insultingly refer to any movie.