Effeminateness

/ɪˈfɛmɪnətns̩/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being effeminate; the characteristic of lacking masculine qualities or traits.

Etymology

A nominalization of 'effeminate' using the English suffix '-ness' (state or quality of). This is a straightforward English word formation that emphasizes the abstract quality rather than describing a specific person.

Kelly Says

English speakers essentially created three slightly different words (effeminacy, effeminateness, effeminization) to describe the same thing, which is kind of overkill but shows how obsessed 18th-century writers were with analyzing gender expression.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Nominalization of 'effeminate,' reifying it as a quality or state, deepening the implication that femininity in males is a countable, measurable deviation from normalcy.

Inclusive Usage

Avoid. Replace with 'feminine expression' or 'gender-nonconforming presentation' if neutrality is needed.

Inclusive Alternatives

["feminine expression","gender-nonconforming presentation","feminine deportment"]

Related Words

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