boyish looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "boyish looking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone, typically a male, who has a youthful or childlike appearance. Example: "Despite being in his thirties, he still has a boyish looking face that makes him seem much younger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

At 54 he remains boyish looking.

The New York Times

At 34, he is still boyish looking, albeit with a touch of gray at his temples.

The New York Times

But peering closer, one notices that he is somewhat smaller than El Duque and younger, rather boyish looking.

The New York Times - Sports

The boyish looking Skase started out as a stockbroker before becoming a financial journalist in the 1970s.

The Guardian

For Mr. Lee, a boyish looking 48-year-old retired New York City firefighter, there is no substitute for being there.

The New York Times

He will be freshly scrubbed, clean shaven, boyish looking, and dressed in a neatly pressed shirt, suit and tie.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"I'll talk to anyone who wants to talk to me," says Dimon, white-haired but otherwise boyish-looking.

Forbes

Mr. Ebersman is Facebook's well-liked, boyish-looking 41-year-old chief financial officer.

The New York Times

Walker, who is forty-four, dark-haired, and boyish-looking, pulled out a photograph of Reagan.

The New Yorker

The allegations have amplified public outrage over the brash, boyish-looking Shkreli.

The Guardian - Business

The boyish-looking 30-year-old sitting behind a large computer screen is Chris Muscarella, the site's chief executive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "boyish looking", consider the context. It can be a positive attribute, implying youthfulness and energy, or a negative one, suggesting immaturity. Choose this phrase when youthfulness is the most relevant characteristic.

Common error

Avoid using "boyish looking" repeatedly to describe someone. Vary your descriptions by focusing on specific features that contribute to their youthful appearance, such as a smooth complexion or a particular hairstyle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "boyish looking" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that someone has a youthful or immature appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "boyish looking" is a descriptive adjective phrase used to characterize someone, typically male, as having a youthful or immature appearance. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability. While generally neutral in tone, the phrase’s connotation can vary depending on the context, implying either positive youthfulness or negative immaturity. Predominantly found in news and media sources, alternative descriptors like "youthful-looking" or "fresh-faced" may provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

youthful-looking

Emphasizes the appearance of youthfulness.

young-looking

Directly indicates a youthful appearance.

childlike appearance

Highlights a resemblance to a child's features.

fresh-faced

Suggests a clean, youthful complexion.

baby-faced

Indicates a very smooth and youthful face.

immature appearance

Focuses on the lack of mature features.

eternally young

Implies an unchanging youthful appearance.

ageless

Suggests an appearance that doesn't show age.

prepubescent

Suggests an appearance characteristic of a child before puberty.

unaged

Implies someone who has not aged.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who looks young for their age without using "boyish looking"?

You can use phrases like "youthful appearance", "young-looking", or "fresh-faced" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "boyish looking" to describe a woman?

While technically applicable, "boyish looking" is typically used to describe men. For women, consider alternatives like "youthful appearance" or "ageless" to avoid potentially misleading implications.

What are some negative connotations of using "boyish looking"?

In some contexts, "boyish looking" can imply immaturity, lack of experience, or a failure to take on adult responsibilities. Consider the potential impact on your audience.

How does "boyish looking" differ from "childlike appearance"?

"Boyish looking" typically refers to a youthful appearance in a male, while "childlike appearance" can refer to anyone, and often emphasizes innocence or naivete.