mannish
mannish Lexical Profile
mannish Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having characteristics, qualities, or an appearance traditionally associated with a man rather than a woman (typically used of a woman, her habits, or her clothing).
"She wore a tailored, mannish waistcoat and trousers to the evening gala."
Characteristic of or resembling an adult man rather than a boy (used especially of a young male's voice or demeanor).
"The teenage boy spoke with a surprisingly deep, mannish cadence."
Word Nuance & Usage
Unlike "manly" or "masculine," which typically praise qualities in men, "mannish" is most often applied to women (or their clothing and mannerisms) and can carry a disapproving or pejorative connotation.
• Rhymes for mannish
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English "mannish," originally meaning "human" or "characteristic of human beings" before narrowing in the 14th century to mean "characteristic of an adult male."