old-womanish

[ ohld-woo m-uh-nish ]

/ ˈoʊldˈwʊm ə nɪʃ /

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adjective

Sometimes Offensive. having characteristics considered typical of an old woman, as excessive fussiness or timidity.

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Nearby words

old-style, old-time, old-time dance, old-timer, old-timey, old-womanish, old-world, oldcastle, oldcastle, sir john, olde, olde-worlde

Origin of old-womanish

First recorded in 1765–75

Related formsold-wom·an·ish·ness, noun

Usage note

This term is sometimes perceived as insulting because it reinforces stereotypes.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for old-womanish

Surely my old-womanish babbling has not upset you like this!
By Birth a Lady|George Manville Fenn
He makes no old-womanish outcry of alarm and expresses no exaggerated wrath.
Charlotte Bronte and Her Circle|Clement K. Shorter
There are tears in her voice—simple, old-womanish, grandmotherly tears.
The Old House and Other Tales|Feodor Sologub
Poor little darling, the girls made fun of it because it was so ugly and old-womanish.
Little Maid Marian|Amy E. Blanchard