sissy

word

/ˈsɪsi/
SI-see
/sˈɪsi/
SI-see

Definition

A sissy is an insulting word for someone, especially a boy or man, who is seen as weak, easily scared, or not masculine enough. It is old-fashioned in some contexts but still offensive.

Usage & Nuances

Usually used as a taunt, often toward boys, and strongly tied to harmful ideas about masculinity. Avoid using it to describe real people. In older texts, it may simply reflect social attitudes of the time.

Example Sentences

The older boys called him a sissy because he was afraid of the dark.

basic

Don't say sissy to people. It is rude.

basic

He got teased as a sissy for liking ballet, which says more about them than him.

natural

The coach told the team to stop using words like sissy in the locker room.

natural

That kind of 'real men don't cry' talk turns any sensitive boy into a target for the word sissy.

natural

That movie shows how children used sissy as an insult.

basic