pantywaist

American  

[pan-tee-weyst] / ˈpæn tiˌweɪst /

noun

1. Informal. a weak, effeminate man; sissy.

   Synonyms:

   namby-pamby, milksop, weakling

2. formerly, a child's undergarment consisting of short pants and a shirt that buttoned together at the waist.

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adjective

1. weak; fainthearted.

2. Informal. childish.

pantywaist British  

/ ˈpæntɪˌweɪst /

noun

1. a child's undergarment consisting of a shirt and pants buttoned together at the waist

2. informal a man or boy considered as childish, lacking in courage, etc

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Etymology

Origin of pantywaist

First recorded in 1925–30; panty + waist

Example Sentences

Fox News’ senior political analyst ripped into the school’s “pantywaists” as the nation honored veterans on Monday.

From Washington Times

McMahon asked rhetorically at the news conference announcing plans for the original XFL “This will not be a league for pantywaists and sissies.”

From Seattle Times

In the masculine world of pro football, he essentially said he didn’t want to be one of those pantywaists that ran crying to the training room about every little hangnail.

From Washington Post

Back then, JJ was a be-mulleted, Daisy Duke-wearing pantywaist who cried upon physical contact, loved bringing his opponents to small claims court and idolized Troy to the point where he boasted about being his manservant.

From Salon

Chief Keef Finally Rich Interscope Records 2012 Tell us what you think: Rate and review this album On the South Side of Chicago, meanwhile, a rapper has arisen who makes OF look like pantywaist poseurs.

From The Guardian