The concept of 少女心 is deeply connected to the “cute culture” (`萌文化, méng wénhuà`) that is prevalent across East Asia. In many Western cultures, being “girly” can sometimes carry a slightly negative or dismissive connotation, implying weakness or frivolity. However, in modern China, 少女心 is largely a positive and celebrated trait. It represents a conscious choice to find joy in simple, beautiful things and to maintain a positive, un-cynical outlook on life. It's seen as a way to de-stress and escape the pressures of adult life. A useful Western comparison is the phrase “a kid at heart,” but 少女心 is more specific. “A kid at heart” is gender-neutral and focuses on general playfulness and wonder. 少女心, on the other hand, is specifically tied to a traditionally feminine aesthetic: romance, pastels, cuteness, and charm. It should not be confused with “Peter Pan syndrome,” which implies an irresponsible refusal to grow up. A person with a 少女心 can be a highly competent and responsible adult who simply enjoys indulging their softer, more romantic side.
少女心 is an extremely common term in daily conversation and especially on social media.