sissy

Derived from a diminutive form of "sister," the term sissy emerged in the mid-19th century. Historically, it was used pejoratively to describe a boy or man who exhibits traits associated with femininity, such as emotional sensitivity, a lack of interest in rough sports, or an interest in activities traditionally coded as female. Over time, it became a common playground insult implying cowardice, weakness, or a lack of physical toughness.

The term is highly contested due to its roots in misogyny and homophobia. Critics argue that using it as an insult reinforces the idea that feminine traits are inferior to masculine ones, serving as a tool to enforce rigid gender roles and bully gender-nonconforming youth. Conversely, the term has specific, consensual utility within BDSM and kink subcultures, where it describes a specific role involving feminization. Additionally, some within the LGBTQ+ community have reclaimed the word to describe their gender expression, stripping it of its power as a slur.

Example:
"The coach was criticized for calling the players sissies when they complained about the extreme heat."

Example:
"In the documentary, he explained how he took the word sissy—once used to hurt him—and adopted it as a badge of pride for his non-binary identity."