effeminacy

American  

[ih-fem-uh-nuh-see] / ɪˈfɛm ə nə si /

noun

1. the state or quality of being effeminate.

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Etymology

Origin of effeminacy

First recorded in 1595–1605; effemin(ate) + -acy

Example Sentences

Dandyism’s persistent associations with criminality, effeminacy and homosexuality would achieve notoriety in Oscar Wilde’s 1895 trials.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

This was defined by a cultivated or performed effeminacy, including make-up, falsetto, and the use of "camp names" and female pronouns.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2022

Through his balletic gait and florid presentation, Mercury rubbed the nose of Live Aid’s global audience in a powerful brand of effeminacy, seducing them into adoring something they might otherwise view with contempt.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2018

“Well-meaning, intelligent straight people”: For Outward’s Radical issue, Alex Borinsky writes that there’s more to camp and swish and effeminacy than meets the eye.

From Slate • Oct. 31, 2018

The effeminacy and coxcombry of a man’s ruff and band are well ridiculed by many of our dramatic writers.

From A History of the Cries of London Ancient and Modern by Hindley, Charles