What is your definition of a Tough Girl?

I’m almost sure that I’m going to turn this into a collaboration, but I need to have a working definition of what a “Tough Girl” is. I was only collaborating with women in the Fighting Arts, but as Mary of MaryQin.com pointed out, Tough Girls come in many different flavors.

The definition I have in mind is a woman who is fiercely independent and defies gender roles. She is physically fit, which is what makes her “Tough” as opposed to just another run-of-the-mill feminist. They’re opinionated and adventurous.

I would, however, like to point out that there is a difference between a Tough Girl and a Bitch. Some mean girls out there consider themselves tough, the difference is probably in motivation. Bitches come from a place of horrible insecurity. They seek to control others through manipulation or fear, while Tough Girls are more internally motivated.

There are always other definitions, possibly better ones, and I would be remiss if I did not at least open up the floor to some input.