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

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

From Salon

In both cases, the disapproval has always betrayed fears of effeminacy.

From Washington Post

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

Perhaps most frustrating were those adjectives that couched Wolf’s perceived effeminacy – his “flamboyance” – as a marketable quirk.

From The Guardian

Yet 75% of our readers admit to making assumptions about someone’s preferred sexual role based on their perceived masculinity or effeminacy.

From The Guardian