We often use slang and terms we do not know where they came from or what their actual meaning is. However, knowing their real significance will guide us and develop our writing skills.
The word “sissy” is a form to refer to “sister,” in other words, we can say these terms are the same. However, “sissy” can have different meanings and is nowadays used to refer to other terms such as cowardly, shyness, or is even used to refer to “a feminine man.”
Words like “sissy” and “sister” are examples of words we often don’t know if they mean the same thing, but use them as younger generations do. If these terms are often used equally, how can they also be used in different contexts?
Meaning Of The Word “Sissy”
The word “sissy” refers to the word “Sister,” mostly given to the oldest female sibling. It can also apply to girls who are not family members but have strong friendships.
Other Meanings For “Sissy”
Also, the word “sissy,” in a pejorative way, refers to a non-traditional masculine boy or man who may show signs of vulnerability.
It is often used to suggest a man lacking strength, testosterone, athleticism, courage, male libido, and other terms related to masculinity.
In other words, it is the opposite of “tomboy,” which refers to a girl with masculine characteristics.
Etymology Of “Sissy”
The word “sissy” comes from “sister” and was firstly used in the 1840s but received its negative connotation around the 1880s.
Is The Word “Sissy” Considered Offensive?
This term is considered a damaging insult that may imply sexual deviance. The United Kingdom put this term on a “black list” of words that can’t be used in schools. It is considered “sexist” and is related to homophobic language. Other terms such as “pink boy” and “tomgirl” were suggested as polite alternatives.
It was used in sports teams as a negative insult to a rival team in the 1930s. It was also used to refer to good students, boys who dressed well, or boys from high-class groups. They were usually referred to as “sissified.”
Additionally, timid or cowardly people are frequently called “sissies.”
Synonyms Of The Word “Sissy”
- Chicken
- Coward
- Craven
- Cur
- Dastard
- Funk
- Poltroon
- Recreant
- Weakling
- Crybaby
- Softie
- Effeminate
- Mummy’s boy
- Snowflake
- Womanish
Antonyms Of The Word “Sissy”
- Hero
- Stalwart
- Valiant
- Brave
- Unfearing
- Resilient
- Unfazed
- Masculine
- Manlike
- Manly
- Strong
- Courageous
- Bold
- Fearless
- Gutsy
Meaning Of “Tomboy”
A “tomboy” is a girl with masculine characteristics, and it is the opposite of the word “sissy.”
Generally, girls alluded to in this way are often wearing men’s clothes and performing activities usually related to men.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the word “tomboy” was used to refer to “brash, boisterous, or self-assured youth.”
Nicholas Udall first used this word in his comedian play “Ralph Roister Doister”, the first comedy to be written in the English language, in 1567.
Sissy Vs Tomboy
As previously stated, the word “sissy” was first used around the 1840s, and “tomboy” appeared approximately in the 1540s.
The term “tomboy” is more accepted in society, and people may even find it “cute” when a female climbs a tree or wears an oversized t-shirt. On the other hand, society often rejects men who have a “feminine” behavior and wear “women’s colors” in their clothes. Even among gay individuals, sissy behavior can produce mixed reactions.
Examples Of “Sissy” In A Sentence
For us to have a better representation of the word “Sissy,” we will now show a list of sentences:
- When I was a baby, my sissy would always carry me in her arms.
- The other boys in the team keep calling him a sissy.
- If you don’t jump down, you’re a sissy.
- Mark shouted: “The last one to get to the tree is a sissy!”
- I didn’t make it to the team because they told me I was a sissy.
- Joseph didn’t want to go to school because they were calling him a sissy.
- He wanted to go to ballet classes, but he was afraid the other boys would call him a sissy.
- The clothes that mom bought make you look like a sissy.
- He screamed like a sissy when he was trapped with all those spiders.
- Johnny was considered a sissy because he didn’t want to fight Oscar.
- You look a lot like your sissy!
- You can’t be a sissy if you’re at war.
- My grandpa used to say tea is for sissies.
- I used to go to school with my sissy.
- This spicy food isn’t for sissies.
Meaning Of The Word “Sister”
A sister is a woman or girl who shares one or more parents with another person. It is usually used to refer to girls with strong friendships.
Other Meanings For “Sister”
- Women who share an interest in a common improvement, for example, women’s rights, are often called sisters.
- A female member of a religious group, especially a nun, is called a sister.
- Also, the word sister is used for female nurses in charge of a department in a hospital.
- Sometimes, in informal slang, “sister” is used to address any woman in general.
- Sister is often used to refer to something that has a bond with another, such as a “sister city,” a “sister company,” “sister ships,” “sister projects,” etc.
Etymology Of The Word “Sister”
The word “sister” comes from the Old Norse word “systir,” which derives from Proto-Germanic “swestēr.” it shares the same meaning with “sister.”
Examples Of Sister In A Sentence
- Ann and Rose are sisters.
- Catherine doesn’t speak to her sister.
- His sister thinks he is a little boy, but he is 20 years old already.
- You and Monica are good friends. She’s like a sister to you.
- Mom told me I shouldn’t fight with my sister.
- I was invited to go to church by sister Mary.
- My sister married the President of the United States.
- The best thing ever has been knowing sister Mary. She has been an angel to me!
- When I was a little kid, my sister would always cook something for me.
- If it weren’t for sister Mary, Jonah would be in the streets by now.
- I didn’t know you were dating my sister.
- I’ve told them Angie is your sister.
- Now I think I know why my sister has left the country.
- I would be so happy when I finally get to see my sister.
- They were once like brother and sister, but now they don’t speak to each other.
- My friend told me his sister would always take care of him when he was little.
Synonyms Of The Word “Sister”
- Associate
- College.
- Buddy
- Comrade
- Homegirl
- Mate
- Sidekick
- Companion
- Relative
- Kinsperson
- Twin
- Sibling
- Fellow woman
- Family
- Nun
Antonyms Of The Word “Sister”
- Enemy
- Foe
- Opponent
- Stranger
- Nonrelative
- Brother
- Male Sibling
Final Thoughts
We are constantly striving to improve and develop our writing skills, and sometimes when we encounter words such as “Sissy” vs. “Sister,” we tend to get confused and bewildered. However, we should always use the tools we have in our hands. In this case, the tools would be researching and investigating terms and words we do not know.
We should also know the meanings and definitions of the words we usually use to avoid pejorative terms such as “Sissy,” which is used nowadays to discriminate and offend men inclined to women’s perceived activities, tools, or even looks.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.