Womanish
/ˈwʊmənɪʃ/adjective
Similar to or characteristic of a woman, especially when seen as weak or emotional.
He was criticized for showing womanish sensitivity.
Often appears as...
- show womanish behavior
- display womanish traits
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Gender Stereotypes
The term can perpetuate stereotypes implying women are innately weak or emotional.
His peers mistakenly labeled his compassion as 'womanish' rather than seeing it as human empathy.
Pro Tip 2/3Potentially Offensive
Using 'womanish' to describe weakness may offend, as it suggests being like a woman is negative.
Calling the young boy's tears 'womanish' upset both him and his sister, who saw it as an insult.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Caution
The word is casual and can be seen as dismissive in formal or respectful contexts.
At the formal ceremony, his 'womanish' remark about the speaker's tears was frowned upon.
Compare with
daintydelicateeffeminatefemininegirlishsofttenderwoman
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