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

Etymology

Origin of old-womanish

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

old-womanish

You had on a brown cotton frock, made in an old-womanish grave fashion, and you were looking down at me.

From Vesty of the Basins by Greene, Sarah P. McLean

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 Buckland, A. R. (Augustus Robert)

The companionship of Dale's bright youth would keep her from getting old-womanish if anything could.

From The Bat by Hopwood, Avery

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

From By Birth a Lady by Fenn, George Manville

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

From The Secret Garden by Burnett, Frances Hodgson