What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gamine
Example
She had a gamine look with her short hair and bright smile. [gamine: adjective]
Example
The actress played a gamine character in the movie, with her tomboyish attitude and playful demeanor. [gamine: noun]
tomboy
Example
She was always a tomboy growing up, playing basketball with the boys and climbing trees. [tomboy: noun]
Example
The actress portrayed a tomboyish character in the movie, with her short hair and casual clothing. [tomboyish: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tomboy is more commonly used than gamine in everyday language. Tomboy is a well-known term that has been used for many years, while gamine is less common and more associated with fashion and style.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gamine and tomboy?
Both gamine and tomboy are informal words that are used in casual conversation. Neither word is particularly formal or informal, but gamine may be slightly more associated with fashion and style, making it slightly less versatile in formal contexts.
