laska

Cultural Note

'Laska' literally means 'stick' or 'cane,' but since the 1990s it's been the dominant slang word for an attractive young woman. It can be objectifying depending on context — used between guys pointing out women, it's like 'chick' or 'babe.' But it's also used neutrally as 'girl': 'moja laska' (my girlfriend). Some women find it offensive, others use it themselves. It's the most common casual word for 'girl' in young Polish speech, but not something you'd say to someone's face unless you know them well. The male equivalent is 'koleś' or 'gość.'