How did the Australian term "sheila" originate?

The Australian term "sheila" has its origins in the Irish female name Sheila, which was used generically to refer to a woman. The term has been in use since the 1830s in Australia, initially referring to women of Irish origin but later becoming a general term for any female14. The name Sheila itself is derived from the Irish name Síle, which is equivalent to Julia, and was anglicized from the English form of the Latin name Cecilia2.

The term "sheila" became popularized as a counterpart to "Paddy," a common term for an Irish male. However, research suggests that Sheila was not as common a name in Ireland as Paddy, leading some to question whether it truly originated from the name's popularity23. Instead, it might have been influenced by Irish cultural references or occupational uses, such as in Jonathan Swift's poem where "Sheelah" is used generically for a housekeeper2.

Over time, "sheila" took on various meanings, ranging from neutral to more derogatory connotations, particularly in the context of objectification or prostitution15. Despite its origins, the term fell out of favor due to its sexist implications and was largely replaced by other slang terms by the late 20th century5.