childish behaviour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "childish behaviour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or conduct that are immature or typical of a child, often in a negative context. Example: "His childish behaviour during the meeting made it difficult for anyone to take him seriously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"I pretty much dislike childish behaviour.

The Guardian

If we continue our irresponsible, childish behaviour, it will be Marine Le Pen".

The Guardian

"But there is very childish behaviour from some of the British".

The Guardian

I believe my slightly childish behaviour got a response from the great man, probably nothing more than "G'day Angus".

Independent

Alison Dorrell, defending Madine - known by some Wednesday fans as Goal Machine - said he had thrown away his talent due to "drink, childish behaviour and a temper problem".

Independent

The most recently arrived still display flashes of humour and childish behaviour; the boys who have been here closer to a year have dulled expressions and say little.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Pull away from childish behavior.

WikiHow

"It is almost unbelievable to watch the Labour party plunge into a crisis of its own making as its MPs involve themselves in childish, self-indulgent behaviour which doesn't befit their office," he said.

The Guardian

A Downing Street police officer has told the high court how he was embarrassed by the childish and overbearing behaviour of former government chief whip Andrew Mitchell the night before Plebgate.

The Guardian

She also took a pun on Modi's remarks on Rahul Gandhi in which he called him Shehzada (prince) and Namuna (specimen), by calling Modi's behaviour childish.

Wikipedia

There was ready recognition of the potential transmission risk for intellectually disabled people of both sexes, whose lack of inhibitions, awareness and capacity to communicate make them 'soft targets.' A women who is old, age-wise, but remains childish in her behaviour because of her mental abnormality... people take advantage of her mental disability.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing adults, use "childish behaviour" to emphasize that their actions are inappropriate for their age. For example, "The CEO's childish behaviour during negotiations jeopardized the deal."

Common error

Avoid using "childish behaviour" to describe actions of actual children, as it's redundant and can sound condescending. Instead, focus on specific behaviors like "playfulness" or "inquisitiveness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "childish behaviour" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It labels specific actions or patterns of conduct as immature, silly, or inappropriate. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts, often to criticize or negatively characterize someone's actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "childish behaviour" is a phrase used to describe actions considered immature or inappropriate for someone's age. It's grammatically correct and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig. While generally used negatively, it appears across diverse sources, including news, wikis, and scientific publications. Alternatives include "immature conduct" or "juvenile actions". Use it to highlight immaturity in a clear, impactful way, but avoid applying it to actual children. Keep in mind its potentially critical connotation and adjust your language accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immature behavior

Uses a more neutral term, "immature," in place of "childish."

juvenile conduct

Replaces "behavior" with "conduct" while using the adjective "juvenile", referring to youthfulness.

immature conduct

Focuses on the conduct itself being immature, rather than explicitly linking it to a child.

juvenile actions

Emphasizes the actions as being characteristic of a young person, often with a negative connotation.

puerile behavior

Uses a more formal term, 'puerile', to describe behavior that is silly or immature.

infantile antics

Highlights the silly and often attention-seeking nature of the behavior.

immature antics

Describes the silly and inappropriate actions, highlighting their immaturity.

foolish actions

Replaces "childish" with "foolish", focusing on the lack of wisdom or good judgment.

silly conduct

Simplifies the phrase by using "silly" instead of "childish", making it less accusatory.

petulant actions

Emphasizes the irritable or bad-tempered nature of the behavior.

FAQs

What does "childish behaviour" mean?

"Childish behaviour" refers to actions or conduct that is immature, silly, or inappropriate for a person's age. It often implies a lack of maturity or responsibility.

What can I say instead of "childish behaviour"?

You can use alternatives like "immature conduct", "juvenile actions", or "puerile behavior" depending on the context.

Is "childish behaviour" a negative term?

Yes, "childish behaviour" is generally used negatively, implying that someone is acting immaturely or inappropriately. It suggests a lack of maturity expected for their age or situation.

How can I address "childish behaviour" in a professional setting?

In a professional setting, it's best to address "childish behaviour" directly but diplomatically. Focus on the specific actions and their impact, rather than labeling the person as "childish." For example, "I've noticed some behaviours that are impacting team productivity..."