What does tomboy mean?
“Tomboy” traditionally refers to a girl whose dress, manner, or interests are regarded as conventionally masculine rather than feminine. In contemporary use, the term is most often applied to an energetic, direct, physically active girl who resists stereotypically girlish expectations, though it can also describe a less conventionally feminine appearance or style. The word is informal and can sound affectionate, descriptive, or mildly old-fashioned, and some speakers now use it for people of any gender. Historically, it did not simply mean “boyish”: early uses described a bold or impudent girl, emphasizing behavior that challenged contemporary expectations. The expression can therefore carry both positive associations of independence and resilience and more dismissive associations of being unfeminine. Because those judgments depend on cultural and individual context, modern speakers often prefer more specific descriptions such as “tomboyish,” “gender-nonconforming,” or “masculine-presenting.” Nevertheless, “tomboy” remains a familiar, vivid label for a recognizable style of childhood and identity, especially in descriptions of clothing, sports, and fictional characters.
A girl, or more broadly a person, whose behavior, clothing, appearance, or interests are considered traditionally masculine.
"Her sister was a tomboy who spent most of her time outdoors."
Traditionally associated especially with girls, though the term is sometimes used more broadly in contemporary speech.
Denoting a style, appearance, or manner considered traditionally masculine.
"She asked the hairdresser for a short, tomboy haircut."
Most often used attributively in phrases such as “tomboy haircut” and “tomboy clothes.”
The regular plural refers to multiple people described as tomboys.
"The two sisters were energetic tomboys who enjoyed every outdoor sport."
What began as a label for a “bold, impudent girl” became one of the best-known words for defying gender expectations.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tomboy come from?
The word was in use by the 16th century, when it could mean a bold, impudent, or assertive girl. Its exact compound origin is uncertain; one common explanation links it with “Tom” and “boy,” but that derivation is not securely established. The modern sense developed from older descriptions of unconventional or forceful behavior into a term for a girl whose appearance or manner contrasts with traditional feminine expectations.
Related word forms
How tomboy is actually used
This is an informal word and is traditionally most associated with girls, though some contemporary speakers use it more broadly. It may be affectionate and empowering, but it can also imply that a girl is insufficiently feminine; alternatives such as “gender-nonconforming” or “masculine-presenting” may be more precise in formal contexts.
Easily confused with tomboy
A toy boy is a younger male lover or companion, sometimes portrayed as being financially dependent, whereas a tomboy is traditionally a girl with conventionally masculine behavior or style.