noun
Uncommon
sissy
SIH-see
Sissy (noun) means (informal, derogatory) A timid or cowardly person, especially a man or boy seen as insufficiently masculine. Example: “Don't be a sissy — it's just a small jump.”
noun
1
(informal, derogatory) A timid or cowardly person, especially a man or boy seen as insufficiently masculine.
"This was all part of football and if any man was such a sissy he could not stand it, then he had better seek the sidelines."
— Robert Smith, Pro Football: The History of the Game and the Great Players (1963)
"Don't be a sissy — it's just a small jump."
adj
1
Timid, cowardly, or excessively delicate.
"He was teased for wearing what the other boys called sissy clothes."
How to use sissy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal, often insulting word for someone seen as timid or unmanly.
When to use it
Considered derogatory and outdated; likely to offend if used seriously.
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Word forms
- Plural
- sissies
- Third person singular
- sissies
- Past tense
- sissied
- Comparative
- sissier
- Superlative
- sissiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't be a _____ — it's just a small jump.
Etymology
From "sis" (a clipping of sister) plus the diminutive suffix -y.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
non-sissy
unsissy
Related words
Rhymes for sissy
See all rhymes for sissy →Frequently asked questions
What does “sissy” mean?
The word “sissy” means (informal, derogatory) A timid or cowardly person, especially a man or boy seen as insufficiently masculine. In plain terms, an informal, often insulting word for someone seen as timid or unmanly.
How do you pronounce “sissy”?
“Sissy” is pronounced SIH-see (/ˈsɪsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “sissy” in a sentence?
Here is “sissy” used in a sentence: “Don't be a sissy — it's just a small jump.”
What is another word for “sissy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sissy” include milksop.
What is the opposite of “sissy”?
The opposite of “sissy” — its antonyms — are non-sissy and unsissy.
What part of speech is “sissy”?
Depending on how it is used, “sissy” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “sissy” a common word?
“Sissy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sissy” have?
“Sissy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: (informal, derogatory) A timid or cowardly person, especially a man or boy seen as insufficiently masculine.
