womanishness

Traditionally female demeanor

Womanishness is the quality of being womanish—having characteristics traditionally associated with women, especially when applied disapprovingly to men.

The word carries a pejorative edge, suggesting weakness, excessive emotionality, or lack of masculine fortitude: He was mocked for what they called his womanishness.

The term reflects dated gender assumptions and sees little use today.

femininity

effeminacy

Feminine quality in men

femininityFemale nature or character
girlishnessYouthful feminine quality
ladylikenessFeminine propriety and poise

womanliness · femaleness · daintiness · delicacy · gracefulness · elegance · softness · gentleness · refinement · coquettishness

stereotype

effeminacy

Feminine quality in men

unmanlinessLack of masculine traits
weaknessDeficiency in force
timidityFearful lack of courage

fussiness · prissiness · squeamishness · overemotional · histrionics · cattiness · gossipiness · vanity · frivolity · fickleness

pejorative

sexism

Gender-based prejudice

misogynyHostility toward women
condescensionDemeaning air of superiority
patronizingTreating someone as inferior

chauvinism · emasculation · belittling · derision · mockery · insult · slur · disparagement · prejudice · gendered

Opposites

gendered quality/character

womanishnessmanliness

Masculine character traits

masculinity · manhood · virility · mannishness · machismo

gender conformity spectrum

womanishnesstomboyishness

Unladylike behavior in girls

androgyny · gender-neutrality

maturity and gender stage

womanishnessgirlishness

Youthful feminine quality

childishness · immaturity

Family

woman, women, womanly, womanhood, womanizer, wifely, womankind, womanize, womanish

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G