effeminate
Softly feminine presentation
Effeminate describes a man or boy whose manner, appearance, or behavior seems feminine—soft voice, delicate gestures, interest in things culturally coded as womanly.
The word carries judgment: it implies something is wrong with men who don't perform masculinity conventionally.
His effeminate mannerisms invited ridicule from classmates.
The term is often used disparagingly, especially toward gay men, though effeminacy and sexual orientation are distinct.
Deprived of vigor
- weakLacking power or force
- foppishVainly preoccupied with dress
- dandifiedExcessively refined in dress
- sissyPejorative for effeminate male
milksop · mollycoddle · spineless · timid · namby-pamby · wispy · meek · unmasculine
Having feminine maturity
- girlishYouthfully feminine in manner
- ladylikeBefitting refined femininity
- daintyDelicately small and pretty
- coquettishPlayfully alluring in manner
flirtatious · petite · graceful · delicate · mincing · simpering · lisping · swishy
Excessively attentive to detail
- fussyExcessively particular
- dapperNeatly and stylishly dressed
- meticulousShowing extreme attention to detail
- elegantGracefully refined, tasteful
polished · cultured · affected · precious · mannered · finicky · particular · overrefined
Ornamental garden flower
- fairyTiny winged magical creature
- ponceMan exploiting prostitutes' earnings
- cream puffAiry pastry, custard-filled
- lightweightLacking mass or importance
emasculated
Deprived of vigor
sissy · milksop · mollycoddle · spineless · timid · namby-pamby · wispy · meek · unmasculine · wimpish
womanly
Having feminine maturity
- girlishYouthfully feminine in manner
- ladylikeBefitting refined femininity
- daintyDelicately small and pretty
coquettish · flirtatious · petite · graceful · delicate · mincing · simpering · lisping · swishy · campy
fastidious
Excessively attentive to detail
- fussyExcessively particular
- dapperNeatly and stylishly dressed
- meticulousShowing extreme attention to detail
elegant · polished · cultured · affected · precious · mannered · finicky · particular · overrefined · genteel
pansy
Ornamental garden flower
- fairyTiny winged magical creature
- ponceMan exploiting prostitutes' earnings
- cream puffAiry pastry, custard-filled