tomboyish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tomboyish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone, typically a girl or woman, who exhibits behaviors or interests traditionally associated with boys, such as being active or preferring sports. Example: "Her tomboyish nature made her the favorite playmate among the neighborhood boys."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sheikha Mayassa was a tomboyish, competitive child, the result, she says, of having two older brothers.

The Economist

The collection was inspired by her tomboyish style.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a young princess who exchanges the burden of royalty for a day of adventure and romance, Hepburn demonstrated her ability to combine a regal bearing with a tomboyish winsomeness that utterly charmed audiences, and she won an Academy Award for best actress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Badham, as the tomboyish Scout, earned praise in her first screen role.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her unique, sexy, tomboyish looks and her ability to combine worldly experience with an offbeat innocence caused her to be frequently cast as a good-hearted hooker or waif in such films as Some Came Running (1958), The Apartment (1960), Irma la Douce (1963), and Sweet Charity (1968).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stacie is a much younger woman, a tomboyish car mechanic with an ability to change a tyre faster than any of the men in the garage in which she works.

Independent

Ridley plays Rey, a beautiful, tomboyish young "scavenger" who ekes out an existence, collecting scraps on the desert planet of Jakku.

Independent

But Clare Foster is extraordinarily natural and charming as Polly: feistily tomboyish then sweetly attractive and elegantly twirling.

Independent

She is five feet six and a little tomboyish, with strong legs, a ruddy tennis tan, and blond hair in a long ponytail — attributes that have earned her comparisons to the Russian player and pinup Anna Kournikova, who has never won a pro tournament but nonetheless managed to make more in endorsements last year than any other woman on the tour.

The New Yorker

A pale, limping Kristin Stewart with her perennial teen-agery pout and a bruise on her arm; Jennifer Lawrence, who is casually funny and naturally sarcastic and is most famous for her tomboyish roles; actresses in middle age like Sally Field and Meryl Streep, whom one can admire freely in the way that one admires a mother.

The New Yorker

She is five feet six and a little tomboyish,….

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tomboyish", consider the context and ensure it does not perpetuate gender stereotypes. Focus on the individual's personality and interests rather than enforcing traditional gender roles.

Common error

Avoid using "tomboyish" as a pejorative or implying that it is a phase. Recognize it as a valid expression of personality and preference.

Linguistic Context

The term "tomboyish" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns (typically referring to individuals) by ascribing to them characteristics and behaviors traditionally associated with boys. Ludwig examples show it describing style, appearance, or personality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "tomboyish" accurately describes behaviors and appearances associated with a tomboy, frequently appearing in News & Media and encyclopedic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While generally neutral, its use should be sensitive to avoid perpetuating gender stereotypes. Alternatives such as "boyish" or "sporty" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you want to convey. When writing, always consider the context to ensure you are using "tomboyish" appropriately and respectfully. The most common error is misunderstanding the nuance or using the adjective in a pejorative way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boyish

Focuses on resembling a boy in appearance or manner.

non-girly

Directly negates traditionally feminine interests and behaviors.

unfeminine

Emphasizes a lack of traditionally feminine traits.

masculine of center

Highlights gender expression that leans towards masculinity.

having a boyish charm

Highlights the presence of attractive boyish qualities.

mannish

Indicates possession of qualities typically associated with men.

acting like one of the guys

Refers to a woman behaving in a manner similar to men in a group.

androgynous

Suggests a blend of both masculine and feminine traits.

sporty

Highlights an interest in sports and physical activities.

rough-and-tumble

Emphasizes active and boisterous behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "tomboyish" in a sentence?

You can use "tomboyish" to describe a girl or woman who enjoys activities and styles traditionally associated with boys. For example: "She had a "tomboyish" charm and loved playing sports with the boys."

What are some alternatives to "tomboyish"?

Alternatives to "tomboyish" include "boyish", "unfeminine", or "sporty", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it offensive to describe someone as "tomboyish"?

It depends on the context and intent. Using "tomboyish" to celebrate someone's individuality is generally acceptable. However, using it to imply that feminine interests are inferior or to enforce gender stereotypes can be offensive.

What's the difference between "tomboyish" and "boyish"?

"Tomboyish" specifically refers to girls or women who exhibit traits or interests typically associated with boys, while "boyish" can be used more broadly to describe anything resembling a boy, regardless of gender.