Effeminate

/ɪˈfɛmɪnət/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Having feminine qualities or characteristics; unmanly.

His effeminate mannerisms drew unwanted attention from his peers.

Weak, soft, or delicate in nature, often in a way considered inappropriate for a man.

The effeminate design of the clothing was criticized for not being masculine enough.

A term used to describe a man who displays characteristics culturally associated with women.

In the movie, the protagonist struggles with his effeminate traits in a hyper-masculine society.

From Latin 'effeminatus', meaning 'made womanish' or 'soft'.

effeminate behavior:

Behavior that is considered stereotypically feminine.

effeminate man:

A man exhibiting traits traditionally associated with women.

Nelly (slang)

He acts so nelly, always choosing the pink shades.

Sassy (slang)

Don't be so sassy, it's so effeminate.