sissy (cissy), sissiness

NOT a compliment for a man

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sis·sy

1 : SISTER
2 a : an effeminate man or boy b : a timid or cowardly person<one old lady ... didn't want to be a sissy -- Robert Rice>

No, it's not a compliment! It's used for boys that people think are acting too "girlish." It can, I suppose, also be used for girls that are being too "missish." For example, all the kids are jumping off rocks into the water. One boy gets to the top, but is afraid to jump. "Come on! Don't be such a sissy!" say the other kids to tease him. Or, boys are playing outside. One gets muddy and is upset

Hi Grammar Geek,

Thank you very much for your reply! It's one of the best ones I've received in a long time!

It immediately prompts a further question, though: can someone describe a boy as being 'missish'?

The great OED on 'missish':

missish Chiefly derog. Resembling or characteristic of a miss, young lady, or schoolgirl; affectedly de

>On the words 'sissy' and 'missish' as compliments: what if a person enjoys being >effeminate? Wouldn't such a person take it as a compliment if someone called them 'sissy' or 'missish'?

You usually take a word based not only on your perception of it, but also based on its effects on your peers, group, etc.

But it's your call.

Hi Marius Hancu,

You wrote:

You usually take a word based not only on your perception of it, but also based on its effects on your peers, group, etc.

Who cares about its effect on your peers or group? If you are 'missish', and enjoy being 'missish', you wouldn't necessarily care about what others might think.

What exactly do you mean when you say: "But it'

A call is a decision. When you say 'it's your call' you mean 'it's your choice'.

It's quite informal English though.

Hi MichalS,

Thank you for your reply.