What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gayish
Example
He wore a pink shirt and had a bit of a lisp, which made him seem a bit gayish. [gayish: adjective]
Example
The party had a gayish atmosphere with lots of music and dancing. [gayish: adjective]
effeminate
Example
He spoke with a high-pitched voice and had limp wrists, which made him seem effeminate. [effeminate: adjective]
Example
The room was decorated in an effeminate style with lots of pastel colors and floral patterns. [effeminate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Effeminate is more commonly used than gayish in formal and academic contexts. However, gayish is a colloquial and informal term that may be used more frequently in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gayish and effeminate?
Effeminate is a more formal and academic term that is typically used in professional or scholarly settings. In contrast, gayish is a colloquial and informal term that is more appropriate for casual conversations or informal writing.