Hermaphroditish

/hɜːˈmæfrədɪtɪʃ/ adjective

Definition

An informal or colloquial adjective suggesting hermaphroditic characteristics, or having a mixed or ambiguous quality; somewhat derogatory in older usage.

Etymology

From 'hermaphrodite' plus the suffix '-ish,' meaning 'somewhat' or 'rather'; this informal form developed in English as a casual variant of the more technical terms.

Kelly Says

This word carries the baggage of old prejudices—when people called something 'hermaphroditish,' they usually meant it was confusing or didn't fit categories, revealing that humans have always been uncomfortable with in-between.

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