As a self-confessed COB, in training (Cranky Old Bastard), I read Donna Portlands' article (The Bugle, 4, Nov 2023) at first with confusion, then bewilderment, and finally with amusement. As I attempted to make sense of the academic feminist gobbledegook, explaining what ‘Girl Maths’ is. 

At the end of the article, despite the plethora of highly qualified female ‘experts’ being quoted, I was still unclear about what ‘Girl Maths’ is. After ‘Googling’ the term, it essentially seems to be a name generated by female radio presenters to describe a method of justifying and rationalising purchases young women cannot afford.

We used to call it ‘Champagne lifestyle on a beer budget’!

For those who were similarly left confused, here's a quote from news.com 3 October 2023, that offers insight:

‘I love Girl Maths. If I want to buy a sweater for $100, but it’s 50% off, I buy it. That means I saved $50, and then if I buy a top for $60, I have only spent $10, which means I’ve saved money!’

You can make up your own mind about that little piece of convoluted mental gymnastics!

Upon reflection, there seems to be quite a similarity between the academic feminist gobbledegook in the article, absolving young women of personal responsibility in their spending habits, and the mental gymnastics of ‘Girl Maths’.

Steven R Sweeney