mama's boy

American  

noun

1. a boy or man showing excessive attachment to or dependence on his mother.

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mama's boy Idioms  

1. A sissy, especially a boy or man excessively attached to his mother. For example, The children called Tom a mama's boy because he ran home with every little problem. This sexist expression has survived despite its pejorative tone. [Colloquial; mid-1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of mama's boy

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Domingo was a mama’s boy and the shyest of his siblings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

And once we agreed that it was about getting past that comfort zone and just going full in, I just pulled from the proud mama’s boy in me.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2024

Salley’s a self-professed mama’s boy, and his relationship with his mom is tight, unyielding.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 22, 2023

I'm a mama's boy all the way, and she told me, she didn't care what I became, she didn't care what I did.

From Salon • Jun. 25, 2023

Dray used to call me a mama’s boy.

From "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi