pansy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/neutral for the flower; Highly informal/offensive for the slang.
Quick answer
What does “pansy” mean?
A small garden plant (Viola × wittrockiana) with brightly coloured, rounded flowers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small garden plant (Viola × wittrockiana) with brightly coloured, rounded flowers.
As a slang term (derogatory, offensive): a weak, effeminate, or cowardly man.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both meanings exist in both varieties, but the slang term is less frequently used in contemporary American English, partly replaced by other slurs.
Connotations
In both: flower = neutral/positive; slang = strongly negative and offensive.
Frequency
The botanical term is common in gardening contexts. The slang term is considered dated and offensive, and its use has declined significantly.
Grammar
How to Use “pansy” in a Sentence
The pansy [verb: blooms/wilts] in the sun.He called him a [adjective: weak/pathetic] pansy.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pansy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not standard. Rarely, if ever, used as a verb.]
American English
- [Not standard. Rarely, if ever, used as a verb.]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb.]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb.]
adjective
British English
- The décor had a pansy shade of mauve.
- That was a bit of a pansy performance on the pitch.
American English
- She wore a pansy-print dress.
- He made a pansy move by avoiding the challenge.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in botany/horticulture texts.
Everyday
Used for the flower in gardening talk. The slang is highly offensive and inappropriate.
Technical
Used as a specific plant name in horticulture.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pansy”
- Using the slang term without awareness of its offensiveness.
- Thinking 'pansy' is an acceptable synonym for a sensitive or artistic man.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The slang use of 'pansy' is a derogatory term based on harmful stereotypes. It is offensive and should be avoided.
It comes from the French word 'pensée', meaning 'thought', as the flower was seen as a symbol of remembrance.
No, it is not a standard verb in contemporary English.
Rarely, it can be used adjectivally to describe a colour or pattern reminiscent of the flower (e.g., 'a pansy-purple cushion'), but caution is needed due to the word's strong negative slang association.
A small garden plant (Viola × wittrockiana) with brightly coloured, rounded flowers.
Pansy is usually formal/neutral for the flower; highly informal/offensive for the slang. in register.
Pansy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpænzi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpænzi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word itself is used as a metaphorical insult.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PANSY: Plant A Nice Spring Yellow (flower).
Conceptual Metaphor
A DELICATE/COLOURFUL FLOWER IS A WEAK/EFFEMINATE PERSON (pejorative).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'pansy' be considered most offensive?