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

Yes, the heart-shaped lips and resting pout do some heavy lifting to pull off the baseball-loving mama’s boy, but Butler’s authenticity is irrefutable.

From Salon • Aug. 29, 2025

He’s an insecure mama’s boy who desperately works to make himself into the type of guy who’ll be wanted and respected.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 2, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • Oct. 22, 2023

Hey, don't get me wrong, I'm not a mama's boy or anything.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir