What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hoyden
Example
She was always a hoyden, running around and climbing trees. [hoyden: noun]
Example
The little girl's hoydenish behavior often got her into trouble. [hoydenish: adjective]
tomboy
Example
She was always a tomboy, playing soccer with the boys instead of dolls with the girls. [tomboy: noun]
Example
Her tomboyish style included baggy jeans and sneakers. [tomboyish: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tomboy is more commonly used than hoyden in modern English, and is widely recognized as a positive trait in girls.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hoyden and tomboy?
Both hoyden and tomboy are informal and colloquial terms, and are not typically used in formal contexts.
