Having characteristics or qualities similar to a hen, such as being brooding, clucking, or fussy.
Formed from 'hen' plus the suffix '-ish,' which means 'somewhat like' or 'having the quality of.' This productive English formation has been used since at least the 16th century to describe hen-like behavior.
The suffix '-ish' is incredibly useful in English—you can add it to almost anything to describe something that resembles it! 'Hennish' captures that fussy, maternal quality of hens without saying someone is literally a bird.
Diminutive/pejorative form suggesting 'hen-like' qualities; implies fussiness, timidity, or excessive concern with domestic trivialities, gendered as feminine failures.
Avoid; describe specific behaviors ('fussy', 'anxious', 'meticulous') without gendered animal metaphor.
["fussy","anxious","meticulous"]
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.