hoidenish
Definition
Adjective - Bold or boisterous in a manner considered unladylike: "hoidenish" describes a girl or young woman who is rudely noisy, mischievous, or playful in a way that defies conventional feminine decorum. It implies a lack of restraint or refinement, often with a connotation of tomboyish or impudent behaviour.
Usage Examples
- (Her loud, unrestrained laughter was considered improper for a young lady.)
- (She was playful and boyish, rejecting traditional feminine activities.)
Advanced Usage
"a hoidenish spirit": a personality that is lively, unruly, and indifferent to social expectations.
- Despite her strict upbringing, she had a hoidenish spirit that could not be tamed. (She was naturally boisterous and rebellious.)
"hoidenish behaviour": actions that are loud, impudent, or lacking in modesty.
- The governess scolded the child for her hoidenish behaviour at the tea party. (The child’s noisy and rude conduct was inappropriate.)
Variants and Related Words
Hoiden (noun): a boisterous, rude, or mischievous girl or woman.
- The old woman called her granddaughter a hoiden for running wild in the fields. (A girl who acts in a bold, unladylike way.)
Hoidenishness (noun): the quality of being hoidenish.
- Her hoidenishness was frowned upon by the village elders. (Her boisterous, unrefined nature.)
Synonyms
- Tomboyish: (of a girl) enjoying activities traditionally associated with boys.
- Unruly: disorderly and disruptive.
- Impudent: disrespectfully bold or forward.
Related Idioms
A wild colt: a person, especially a young woman, who is uncontrollable or spirited.
- She’s a wild colt, that one — too hoidenish to sit still in church. (She is too lively and unrestrained.)
To have the devil in one: to be mischievous or naughty.
- The girl has the devil in her; her hoidenish pranks are legendary. (She is very playful and unruly.)