sissy
Americannoun
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sissies
plural
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Disparaging and Offensive. an effeminate boy or man.
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a timid or cowardly person.
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a sister, especially a younger sister.
adjective
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of sissy
Explanation
Sissy is a derogatory name for someone, especially a man or boy, who seems weak or cowardly, or who acts in a stereotypically feminine way. People who call others sissies aren't just insulting the so-called sissy. They're also implying that there is something weak and fearful about being a girl or a woman — it's the same as telling a boy, "You throw like a girl." It's unkind and also inaccurate. Sissy comes from sister, and its earliest use to mean "effeminate man" was in the late 1800s.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
She concluded her post: “Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2025
In addition, the Chopper is sporting many customized features: a long-and-low banana seat that’s supported by a custom stainless-steel sissy bar, and a high-rise handlebar that creates a comfortable riding position for laid-back cruising.
From The Verge ● Aug. 9, 2021
“You worried so much about me, but look sissy, I didn’t turn out too bad,” Barnes said as she displayed the black gown she was just donned with.
From Washington Times ● Feb. 20, 2021
“I was never ashamed of being a sissy, and I wore the bullying as a badge of honor,” he writes.
From Washington Post ● Nov. 1, 2019
I’m afraid he’ll laugh at me, he’ll despise me for being a sissy about a bunch of girls, for making a fuss about nothing.
From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood
Everyone contributed what money they could to save George’s business from Mr. Potter, an unsentimental tycoon who makes the toughest takeover bankers and lawyers seem like sissies.
From Barron's ● Dec. 24, 2025
“Growing old is not for sissies, I promise you,” Buffett continued.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 18, 2023
That whole "masks are for sissies" thing, that's where I go, "Please, man, scientists are not trying to get you to lose the arm wrestling match. They're trying to save you, man."
From Salon ● Jun. 5, 2020
As Samir muses in one reflective moment: “Immigration, it is not for sissies … The price for a better life, you see, it is always a little higher than you think it will be.”
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 18, 2019
I wasn't depressed, just realistic, getting old, stuff happens, a nurse told me getting old is not for sissies.
From New York Times ● Apr. 18, 2018
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
