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Preferred term

tomboy/sissy  

Definition

  • The terms tomboy and sissy refer, respectively, to préadolescent girls and boys who adopt behaviors and play patterns culturally associated with the “opposite sex.” Stereotypical accounts of tomboys describe them as eschewing frilly, feminine forms of dress for jeans and sneakers and seeking out adventurous, outdoor play in the company of boys. Sissies, in contrast, are described as shy, emotional boys who would rather play with dolls and makeup than take part in sports or masculine roughhousing. [Source: Encyclopedia of Gender and Society; Tomboy/Sissy]

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https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/tomboy_sissy

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