mannish

Mannish is an adjective used to describe attributes, appearance, or behaviors in a woman that are traditionally associated with men. Derived from the Old English word mannisc (which originally meant "human" or "of the people"), the term eventually narrowed to specifically contrast male characteristics against female ones.

Usage of the term is often considered offensive or pejorative, particularly when describing a woman's physical features. In these contexts, it implies a failure to perform femininity correctly or suggests an unattractiveness based on rigid gender norms. However, the term retains a specific, often neutral utility in the fashion industry to describe "menswear-inspired" tailoring (e.g., "mannish suits"). Additionally, historically, some gender-nonconforming individuals have reclaimed the term to describe their specific presentation, though terms like "butch" or "masculine" are currently more common.

Example:
"The critic wrote a scathing review, describing her gait as awkward and mannish."

Example:
"The new fall line features mannish silhouettes, including oversized blazers and pleated trousers."