old-womanish

American  

[ohld-woom-uh-nish] / ˈoʊldˈwʊm ə nɪʃ /

adjective

1. Sometimes Offensive. having characteristics considered typical of an old woman, as excessive fussiness or timidity.

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Sensitive Note

This term is sometimes perceived as insulting because it reinforces stereotypes.

Other Word Forms

• old-womanishness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of old-womanish

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

old-womanish

You ridiculous grannie," Elizabeth once said to her, for she and Cedric often called her grannie, probably from her careful, loving, old-womanish ways, "do you suppose such a rara avis exists in Earlsfield or Rotherwood?

From Herb of Grace by Rosa Nouchette Carey

As for the baby with her shrewd old-womanish face, and the sweet smile which spoke a good deal plainer than words, Meg could scarcely keep from kissing her all the time.

From Little Meg's Children by Hesba Stretton

Again, there is no priest who does not confess that he was distracted, or failed to read his Preparatoria, or other old-womanish trifles of the kind.

From Works of Martin Luther With Introductions and Notes (Volume I) by Martin Luther

I suppose you've come about the gas bill," she said at length, with an old-womanish air, "but it's no use.

From The Empire Annual for Girls, 1911 by A. R. (Augustus Robert) Buckland

Minima's fresh young fancies were too droll to resist, especially in combination with her shrewd, old-womanish knowledge of many things of which I was ignorant.

From The Doctor's Dilemma by Hesba Stretton