pantywaist

Thân thiện

A boy is called a pantywaist for being afraid to climb the tree.

Definition

Noun: 1. A timid, weak, or ineffectual man or boy; a person considered childish, unassertive, or lacking in courage. This term is used as a derogatory label implying that someone is not manly or strong, often by comparing them to a child wearing a type of undergarment.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The bullies called him a pantywaist because he preferred reading to playing football.
  • Don't be such a pantywaist; stand up for yourself and voice your opinion in the meeting.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in a pejorative or insulting context to question someone's masculinity, toughness, or maturity. Its use is generally considered offensive and dated.

Variants and Related Words

• Pantywaist can function attributively as an adjective in informal contexts, though this is less common.
  • He dismissed their concerns with a pantywaist attitude.

Synonyms

• Weakling
• Milksop
• Coward
• Sissy (also offensive)
• Wimp (informal)

Antonyms

• Tough guy
• Braveheart
• Hero
• Stalwart

Notes on Usage

• Register: This word is informal and strongly derogatory. Its usage has declined and it is now considered somewhat archaic, though still understood as an insult.
• Connotation: The insult carries connotations of infantilization and effeminacy, deriving from a historical comparison to a child's undergarment. It is important to understand its offensive nature.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a timid man or boy considered childish or unassertive

Từ đồng nghĩa

• sissy
• pansy
• milksop
• Milquetoast