sissy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-LowInformal, often derogatory or pejorative
Quick answer
What does “sissy” mean?
A person, typically a boy or man, regarded as effeminate, cowardly, or lacking traditionally masculine qualities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, typically a boy or man, regarded as effeminate, cowardly, or lacking traditionally masculine qualities; also used to describe something overly delicate or timid.
Can refer to a submissive person in certain contexts (e.g., BDSM), a younger sister (informal, chiefly US), or something perceived as weak or ineffectual.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English as a playground insult. In British English, 'big girl's blouse' or 'wimp' might be more frequent for cowardice. The term 'cissy' is an occasional British variant spelling.
Connotations
Equally pejorative in both dialects. In the US, may also be used informally for 'sister'. The BDSM/submissive connotation is understood in both but is niche.
Frequency
Usage has declined in formal contexts due to awareness of its sexist and homophobic implications. Remains in use in informal, often aggressive speech.
Grammar
How to Use “sissy” in a Sentence
V + obj: He called his brother a sissy.Adj + N: It was a sissy thing to say.V + as comp: They labelled him a sissy.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sissy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He felt they were trying to sissy him out of the competition.
American English
- Don't let them sissy you around; stand up for yourself.
adverb
British English
- He walked sissily across the room, miming his brother.
American English
- She sang sissily into her hairbrush, putting on a show.
adjective
British English
- He refused to play what he called those sissy board games.
American English
- She thought the frilly decor was a bit too sissy for her taste.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used; highly unprofessional.
Academic
Only used in sociological, gender studies, or linguistic analysis of pejorative language.
Everyday
Informal insult, particularly among children or in toxic masculinity contexts.
Technical
No technical usage.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sissy”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Misspelling as 'cissy'.
- Assuming it's a harmless synonym for 'shy'.
- Overlooking its deeply offensive potential.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In mainstream contemporary use, yes, it is pejorative. In very specific subcultures (e.g., BDSM), it can be a consensual identifier, but this is not the common understanding.
It is extremely rare and unconventional, as the term derives its insult from attributing femininity to a male. Calling a girl a sissy would be semantically confusing; 'tom-boy' is the rough, non-pejorative counterpart for a girl with masculine traits.
It is a reduced form of 'sister', first recorded in the mid-19th century. The use as a term for an effeminate man or boy developed from the notion of being 'sister-like'.
Understand its meaning and potent negative connotations, but avoid using it yourself. It is best learned as a word to recognise and critique, not to adopt into your active vocabulary.
A person, typically a boy or man, regarded as effeminate, cowardly, or lacking traditionally masculine qualities.
Sissy is usually informal, often derogatory or pejorative in register.
Sissy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪs.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪs.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sissy bar (a backrest on a bicycle or motorcycle)”
- “Sissy fight (a petty, non-serious argument)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SIS' in 'sissy' – it's like calling someone a sister to imply they're not manly.
Conceptual Metaphor
FEMININITY IS WEAKNESS (when used pejoratively against males).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'sissy' be MOST socially acceptable?