Elles-meme, Eux-même

Question

Still not sure how to distinguish the use of these two.  Any help?

Accepted Answer

Hi Matthew, 
The lesson says -
eux-mêmes = themselves ( male or mixed group)
elles-mêmes = themselves ( female group only)
Here are a few examples =

Le lave-vaisselle étant en panne,  Martine et Nicole ont fait la vaisselle elles-mêmes = The dishwasher having broken down, Martine and Nicole did the dishes themselves
Le lave vaisselle étant en panne, Jacob et Nicole ont fait la vaisselle eux-mêmes = The dishwasher having broken down, Jacob and Nicole did the dishes themselves

Hope this is clearer now ...

Answer

The lesson covers the use of «elles-mêmes» when 'themselves' is referring to ONLY females. If there is one or more males included in the group of people being referenced,  no matter what size the group, then «eux-mêmes» is used. There are other nuances and details covering some modern usage, and 'things' other than people, and I am not sure if you were looking for some of that usage that is not covered in the lesson?