boyish features

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "boyish features" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone, typically a young man or boy, who has a youthful or innocent appearance. Example: "Despite being in his thirties, he still had boyish features that made him look much younger than his age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

His babykins smile and his boyish features elicited a double-take.

The New York Times - Sports

His boyish features still make Starks, 35, look as if he is about to turn 20.

The New York Times - Sports

Kalin is 27 and seems even younger, with boyish features and reddish hair.

The New York Times - Magazine

To judge from a catalogue photograph, Galan's boyish features resemble those of his pouty senorita without a torso in "Silenzio".

The New Yorker

With boyish features and dressed in his Sunday best, the then-unnamed critic attracted millions of hits.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He is 42, but ageless (he doesn't drink, smoke etc), with deep baby eyes and boyish features.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Shy, media-phobic, and with still-boyish features, Abramovich has managed to navigate the transition between the Yeltsin and Putin eras.

The Guardian

Almendárez, who is fifty-two, ishortrt, with longish shiny black hair, a boyish smile, and features that suggest both the Native American Indian and the Spanish roots of his birthplace, Honduras.

The New Yorker

His face was boyish, small-featured, serious.

The New Yorker

After nearly four years of professional boxing, Mr. Krupp has nine wins, one loss and facial features still boyish and defined.

The New York Times

The answer is probably its leading man, Karlheinz Böhm – all chiselled features and boyish good looks.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "boyish features" to subtly convey youthfulness and innocence in a character description, adding depth to their personality or creating a contrast with their actual age or experience. For example: "Despite his graying hair, he retained a set of boyish features that hinted at his adventurous past."

Common error

While "boyish features" effectively conveys youthfulness, avoid overusing it, especially when describing female characters. Consider alternatives like "youthful appearance" or focus on specific features to create a more nuanced and appropriate description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "boyish features" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun (usually a person) to indicate that their facial features possess qualities typically associated with boys or young men. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. This conveys a sense of youthfulness or innocence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "boyish features" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's appearance, suggesting they possess youthful or innocent facial characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequency across diverse sources. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to create a specific visual image, adding depth to character descriptions. While generally neutral, it's important to consider alternatives like "youthful appearance" or "childlike features" depending on the specific context and intended nuance. Remember to avoid overuse and consider the potential implications of immaturity when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

youthful features

Replaces "boyish" with "youthful", emphasizing general youthfulness rather than specifically masculine youthfulness.

childlike features

Emphasizes the innocence and simplicity associated with childhood, similar to "boyish" but broader.

youthful appearance

Shifts the focus from specific features to overall appearance, maintaining the connotation of youth.

young-looking face

Focuses on the face as the primary indicator of youthfulness.

fresh-faced appearance

Highlights a clear and unblemished complexion associated with youth.

innocent face

Emphasizes the perceived innocence and naivete suggested by the features.

unlined face

Focuses on the absence of wrinkles or lines, a physical sign of youth.

baby face

Highlights the roundness and softness of facial features, often associated with babies and young children.

immature facial traits

Highlights the lack of maturity in the face. It can be slightly more critical.

schoolboy looks

Highlights schoolboy appearance.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who looks younger than their age?

You can use phrases like "youthful appearance", "looks younger than his years", or, if applicable, "boyish features" to describe someone who looks younger than their age.

What does it mean when someone is described as having "boyish features"?

Describing someone as having "boyish features" suggests they have a youthful, innocent, or childlike appearance, often associated with boys or young men.

Are there negative connotations to using the phrase "boyish features"?

The phrase "boyish features" is generally neutral, but context matters. In some cases, it might imply immaturity or lack of experience. Consider the audience and intended message.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "boyish features"?

Alternatives include "youthful appearance", "childlike features", "young-looking face", or focusing on specific features that contribute to the youthful look, such as "unlined skin" or "bright eyes".