What does sissified mean?
Sissified is an informal, disparaging adjective for a person or thing regarded as excessively timid, delicate, cowardly, or weak. Its force depends heavily on context: it often implies that someone has behaved in a way the speaker considers insufficiently assertive, traditionally masculine, or suitable for challenge. A person might be called sissified for withdrawing from a fight, showing fear, or complaining about something seen as painful, while critics may use the term of a film, performance, or other work that they consider excessively sentimental. The expression is especially associated with North American colloquial speech and can itself be regarded as sexist because it often equates courage with conventional masculinity. It is therefore more confrontational and subjective than straightforward words such as timid, cowardly, or weak, and is best avoided when a precise, non-insulting description is needed.
adjectiveOverly timid, delicate, or lacking in courage; often used disparagingly to describe someone perceived as weak or effeminate.
- Overly timid, delicate, or cowardly, especially in a way considered weak or emasculating.
"His teammates dismissed him as sissified after he refused to enter the argument."
"He was accused of being sissified for backing down when the dispute became heated."
"The film was dismissed by some critics as sissified because it softened its violent premise with a sentimental ending."
Calling someone sissified is often less a neutral description than a social challenge: it suggests that the target is being shamed for appearing too delicate or afraid.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sissified come from?
The adjective was formed in English by combining sissy with the suffix -ified, a productive form of the verb identify meaning 'to make into' or 'to bring into a specified condition'. The resulting sense developed from describing someone as a sissy to the more emphatic idea of being excessively timid, weak, or emasculated. The precise date and circumstances of its formation are not securely documented.
Related word forms
How sissified is actually used
Informal and commonly derogatory rather than neutral. It is especially associated with North American colloquial speech and is frequently used to criticize other men's behaviour as insufficiently masculine. The term may be considered insulting or sexist when applied to someone perceived as weak, feminine, or unable to assert himself.
Easily confused with sissified
Sissified describes perceived timidity or lack of courage, whereas self-satisfied describes smug contentment with oneself.
Sissified is a derogatory term for someone considered weak or timid, while unsatisfied means lacking satisfaction or fulfilment.