Definition:
The word "old-womanish" is an adjective used to describe someone, often a woman, who is overly careful, fussy, or excessively concerned with details, especially in a way that seems typical of an old woman. It can also suggest being overly cautious or conservative in behavior or attitude.
In more advanced contexts, "old-womanish" can be used in discussions about gender roles or societal expectations, especially regarding how women are perceived in terms of behavior and attitudes as they age.
While "old-womanish" primarily refers to being fastidious or excessively careful, it can also imply a lack of adventure or a reluctance to take risks, similar to stereotypes of older women being more conservative.
There are no direct phrasal verbs that relate specifically to "old-womanish," but you might use phrases like: - "Look after": To take care of things meticulously, which could describe an old-womanish tendency. - "Hoard up": To collect and save items, often excessively, which can also align with old-womanish behavior.