Boyishness

/ˈbɔɪɪʃnəs/ noun

Definition

The quality, state, or characteristic of being boyish; youthful, playful, or immature qualities associated with boys.

Etymology

From boyish combined with the suffix -ness (which forms abstract nouns describing qualities or states). The word captures the essence of boyish character rather than the action of being boyish.

Kelly Says

Boyishness is interesting because it's one of the few qualities that can be endearing in a 10-year-old and ridiculous in a 40-year-old—context completely changes what the word means.

Translations

DEDeutsch
Männlichkeit
maen-n-lich-keit
ESEspañol
masculinitud
mas-koo-li-nee-tood
FRFrançais
virilité
vee-ree-lee-tay

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