missy
missy Lexical Profile
missy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An informal, affectionate, or mildly reproving term of address for a young girl or young woman.
"Just wait a minute, missy, you need to finish your homework before going outside."
• adjective
American Designating or relating to standard women's clothing sizes designed for average adult proportions, as distinct from junior, petite, or plus sizes.
"The department store relocated its missy sportswear section to the second floor."
Resembling or characteristic of a young girl, especially in being overly sentimental, prim, or affected.
"She rejected the frilly, missy dresses in favor of a more tailored and mature wardrobe."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a form of direct address, 'missy' is often used by an adult speaking to a young girl in a mildly scolding, teasing, or condescending tone, and can sound patronizing if directed at an adult woman.
• Rhymes for missy
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the late 17th century, formed as a diminutive of 'miss' (which itself originated as a shortened form of 'mistress') with the addition of the diminutive suffix '-y'.