What does sissyish mean?
Sissyish is an informal adjective meaning weak, timid, or insufficiently masculine, especially when used mockingly or disparagingly. It may describe a person's behavior, attitude, appearance, or manner: calling a refusal to take part in something “sissyish,” for example, implies that the person is being cowardly or excessively delicate. The term has also sometimes been applied to qualities regarded as feminine, particularly gentleness, passivity, or emotional sensitivity. Its historical use reflects narrow ideas about masculinity, so contemporary speakers often regard it as insulting or inappropriate. In modern discussion, the word can be used critically to identify attitudes that stigmatize vulnerability or reject behavior coded as feminine. It is not a neutral synonym for “effeminate” and is generally unsuitable for formal or sensitive contexts.
adjectiveDerogatory: resembling or regarded as weak, timid, or insufficiently masculine in behavior, appearance, or manner.
- Weak, timid, or insufficiently masculine in behavior, appearance, or manner, especially in a disparaging context.
"His teammates dismissed his apology as sissyish and demanded a stronger response."
"He refused to participate and was accused of being sissyish."
"The criticism of the design as sissyish reflected the writer's own narrow ideas of masculinity."
Sissyish belongs to a family of words once used to police masculinity; today it is more often heard as an insult aimed at vulnerability rather than genuine femininity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of sissyish
The adjective was formed in English by adding the suffix -ish to sissy. The deeper origin of sissy is uncertain, and its early meanings varied between a person regarded as weak or timorous and qualities associated with feminine delicacy. The derivative sissyish developed in the broader, disparaging vocabulary historically used to mark behavior as weak, timid, or insufficiently masculine.
Related word forms
How sissyish is actually used
This is an informal, disparaging word. It can describe a person, action, attitude, or style, but is especially likely to offend when used to dismiss expressions of fear, tenderness, or emotional openness.
Easily confused with sissyish
Sissyish is chiefly an adjective describing behavior or appearance, while sissy is used chiefly as a noun for a person considered weak or timid.