What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mannish
Example
She wore a mannish suit to the job interview. [mannish: adjective]
Example
Her mannish behavior made her stand out in a room full of women. [mannish: adjective]
boyish
Example
She had a boyish haircut that made her look younger. [boyish: adjective]
Example
Her boyish charm won over the audience. [boyish: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boyish is more commonly used than mannish in everyday language. Boyish is often used in a positive and endearing way, while mannish can have a negative connotation when used to describe a woman.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mannish and boyish?
Both mannish and boyish are informal words that are not commonly used in formal writing or speech.
