Reply #3: Depends on the context, I suppose. But then ANY word can be patronizing depending on the context.

[Curtland1015]

I don't think there's anything sexist about the word "lady", per se... other than the fact that it defines the person as one sex or the other. But there's nothing inherently demeaning or sexist about it. It's just a descriptive word.

If I said my friend Pete was a smart guy, I wouldn't be implying all guys are stupid and Pete's the exception. The same would be true if I were to say my friend Beth was a smart lady.

But if I were to say "Nice one smart guy!", that would be patronizing. Not sexist in the least, but patronizing nonetheless.