Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having characteristics or qualities traditionally considered typical of or appropriate for a man: Used to describe a woman or her appearance, behavior, or style when it resembles that which is stereotypically masculine.
   • Resembling or imitative of a man: Used to describe something (e.g., a gait, clothing, manner) that suggests a man rather than a woman.

Usage

• The adjective mannish is typically used to describe women, their attributes, or their possessions in a way that highlights a perceived departure from traditional femininity. It can sometimes carry a neutral descriptive tone but may also be used critically or pejoratively. It is applied to appearance, behavior, clothing, or physical traits.

Examples

• Describing appearance or style:
  • She wore a mannish suit with a tailored jacket and trousers.
  • Her short, cropped haircut was considered somewhat mannish.
• Describing behavior or qualities:
  • He criticized her assertive leadership style as being unpleasantly mannish.
  • There was a mannish confidence in the way she handled the tools.

Advanced Usage

• Sociolinguistic Note: The use of mannish can be sensitive, as it often reinforces binary gender stereotypes. In contemporary usage, terms like "androgynous" or "masculine-presenting" might be preferred for more neutral descriptions.
• Historical/Literary Context: In older literature, mannish might be used more freely to denote strength or authority in women, sometimes admiringly, sometimes not.
  • The Victorian era had strict rules, and a woman with mannish ambitions was often scorned.

Variants and Related Words

• Manlike (adj): Similar to mannish, but can also mean "resembling a human" (as in "manlike robot"). When describing women, it is largely synonymous with mannish.
• Masculine (adj): The more common and general term for qualities associated with men. Masculine can apply to anyone or anything and is less specifically tied to describing women than mannish is.
• Butch (adj): A term often used within LGBTQ+ contexts, specifically describing a masculine presentation or identity, particularly among lesbians. It is more identity-focused than mannish.

Synonyms

• Masculine
• Unfeminine
• Virile (though this strongly emphasizes manly vigor and is less commonly applied to women)

Antonyms

• Feminine
• Womanly
• Effeminate (typically used for men)

Related Phrases

• Mannish manners: A phrase describing behavior perceived as typical of men.
  • She was known for her direct speech and mannish manners in the boardroom.
• Mannish look: A phrase describing an appearance that incorporates traditionally masculine elements.
  • The fashion designer debuted a collection featuring a sharp, mannish look for women.

Adjective

1. characteristic of a man as distinguished from a woman
   • true mannish arrogance
2. resembling or imitative of or suggestive of a man rather than a woman
   • a mannish stride