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

• old-womanishness
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of old-womanish

First recorded in 1765–75

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

old-womanish

Surely my old-womanish babbling has not upset you like this!

From By Birth a Lady by George Manville Fenn

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 Edgar Allan Poe

As for the baby with her shrewd old-womanish face, and the sweet smile which spoke a good deal plainer than words, Meg could scarcely keep from kissing her all the time.

From Little Meg's Children by Hesba Stretton

I suppose you've come about the gas bill," she said at length, with an old-womanish air, "but it's no use.

From The Empire Annual for Girls, 1911 by A. R. (Augustus Robert) Buckland

Poor little darling, the girls made fun of it because it was so ugly and old-womanish.

From Little Maid Marian by Amy Ella Blanchard

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