man-child
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A male child; a boy.
Usage
This term is used to refer specifically to a child who is male. It is a compound noun formed by combining "man" (in the archaic or generic sense meaning "male human") and "child." It explicitly denotes gender.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- The term can sometimes be used in historical, literary, or formal contexts to emphasize the male gender of a child, particularly in discussions of lineage, inheritance, or traditional social roles.
- In modern casual use, it is largely synonymous with "boy" or "son," though it is less common.
Variants and Related Words
- Boy: The most common and neutral term for a male child.
- Son: Specifically denotes a male child in relation to his parents.
- Male child: A more formal or descriptive phrase with the same meaning.
Synonyms
- Boy
- Male child
- Lad (informal)
- Youth (can refer to a young male)
Notes
- "Man-child" should not be confused with the informal, sometimes pejorative term "manchild" (often written as one word), which refers to an adult man who is notably immature or irresponsible. The dictionary entry word "man-child" with a hyphen specifically denotes a male child.
Noun
- a child who is male