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

Derived Forms

• old-womanishness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of old-womanish

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

"Eh! tha' art a queer, old-womanish thing," she said.

From The Secret Garden by Burnett, Frances Hodgson

And I sha'n't wear dowdy, old-womanish dresses to please her, along with other girls of my size that are dressed up in their best.

From Elsie at Nantucket by Finley, Martha

The warm reflection lit the grave old-womanish little face, that was so unusually thoughtful this evening.

From The Story of an African Farm, a novel by Schreiner, Olive

When I mention his weakness I have allusion to a bizarre old-womanish superstition which beset him.

From The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 3 by Poe, Edgar Allan

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 Luther, Martin