The quality or state of being unmanly or having traits considered feminine; a lack of masculine characteristics or strength.
From Old French 'effeminité,' derived from Latin 'effeminatus' (made womanly), combining 'ex-' (out, make) and 'femina' (woman). The term has been used since the 14th century, though its meaning has become increasingly controversial as gender concepts have evolved.
Effeminacy used to be a deadly serious accusation in Europe, but the word's whole purpose has become outdated now that we understand gender expression and masculinity are way more complicated than old dictionaries thought.
From Latin 'effeminatus' (made womanly). Historically used as moral condemnation of men who rejected martial/dominant gender norms, encoding the belief that feminine traits are weakness or degeneration. Medieval and Victorian usage weaponized this against political enemies and gender nonconformists.
Neutral descriptive use only: reference historical linguistic bias rather than adopting the term's normative judgment. When discussing gender nonconformity or rejected masculinity, use 'gender nonconformity' or 'rejection of conventional masculine presentation' instead.
["gender nonconformity","rejection of conventional masculine norms","gender expression variance"]
Women philosophers and gender scholars have reclaimed language around feminine traits, demonstrating that characteristics historically labeled 'effeminacy' as weakness (empathy, collaboration, aesthetic sensitivity) are cognitive and moral strengths, not deficits.
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