boyish
gb/bˈɔɪɪʃ/ us/bˈɔɪɪʃ/
B2
Inglés
~ 7400
Acepciones
0 acepciones
adjective
B2
property
1
Having a young-boy manner
Acting in a way that is like a young boy, often playful, open, and not very serious.
Patrón de uso:
[someone] is boyish; [someone] has a boyish [quality]
Error frecuente:
Learners often confuse 'boyish' with 'childish'. 'Childish' is usually negative and means someone behaves in a silly or stupid way like a small child. 'Boyish' is often neutral or positive and suggests playful, lively, or innocent behaviour like a young boy. Learners may also think 'boyish' can only describe males, but it is commonly used for both men and women.
Sinónimos
youthful (Focuses on general young energy and freshness, not specifically like a boy.)
|
childlike (Suggests simple, innocent behaviour; not limited to boys and can sound more naive.)
|
immature (Usually negative, implying someone should be more grown up, while 'boyish' is often positive or affectionate.)
Antónimos
mature (Describes someone whose behaviour is grown-up and serious rather than playful and boyish.)
Colocaciones
boyish charm
|boyish enthusiasm
|boyish grin
|boyish energy
|boyish humour
|boyish innocence
Temas
personality
|emotions
|relationships
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- Even in his fifties, he still had a boyish enthusiasm for new gadgets.
- Her boyfriend’s boyish sense of humour made everyone laugh at the party.
- There was a boyish excitement in his voice as he talked about the trip.
- The actor’s boyish charm made him popular with fans of all ages.
- She loved his boyish curiosity about how everything worked.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- He is very boyish and likes to play and joke.
- Her father is almost sixty but still has a boyish smile.
- The teacher did not like his boyish behaviour in class.
- People like his boyish charm on TV shows.
- My brother’s boyish energy makes the house feel lively.
adjective
C1
property
2
Looking physically like a young boy
Looking like a young boy in body or style, for example having a flat chest, narrow hips, or short hair.
Patrón de uso:
[someone] has a boyish [body part/feature]; a boyish [appearance/figure/haircut]
Error frecuente:
Learners may think 'boyish' used for a woman is rude or always negative. In fact, it is often neutral or even positive in fashion or celebrity descriptions. Another confusion is using 'boyish' when they just mean 'young'; 'boyish' must suggest looking specifically like a young boy, not simply being young.
Sinónimos
androgynous (More technical and fashion-related; suggests looking both male and female, not only like a boy.)
|
slim (Describes being thin, but does not specifically mean looking like a boy.)
Antónimos
curvy (Describes a body with clearly rounded hips and chest, which is the opposite of a flat, boyish figure.)
Colocaciones
boyish figure
|boyish face
|boyish haircut
|boyish silhouette
|boyish build
|boyish good looks
Temas
appearance
|fashion
|body
|clothing
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- The model was known for her boyish figure and short hair.
- He had a round, boyish face that made him look younger than he was.
- She cut her hair into a boyish style for the new film role.
- The actor’s boyish good looks helped launch his career.
- Her loose shirt made her straight, boyish frame even less noticeable.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- The girl has a boyish haircut and wears jeans every day.
- Many designers like her boyish figure on the runway.
- He has a soft, boyish face, not a strong, sharp face.
- Her body is very boyish, with small hips and a flat chest.
- The new singer is famous for her boyish style and clothes.
Gramática
Forma de diccionario
boyish
AFI
GB/bˈɔɪɪʃ/
US/bˈɔɪɪʃ/
Sílabas y acento
boy - ish (2 sílabas)
Stress on 1st syllable (boy)
Formas de la palabra
Adjective
- Base: boyish
Familia de palabras
Core family
boy
noun A1
boyishly
adverb
Related words
boyhood
noun
Advanced or less common
boyishness
noun
Expresiones
boyish charm
1/bˈɔɪɪʃ t͡ʃˈɑɹm/
fixed phrase
Attractive in a young-boy way
A friendly, playful, open way of acting that makes someone attractive, like a nice young boy.
Ejemplos
- The politician used his boyish charm to win over the audience.
- She was drawn to his boyish charm and easy smile.
boyish figure
1/bˈɔɪɪʃ fˈɪɡjɚ/
fixed phrase
Slim, flat, boy-like body shape
A body shape that is slim and straight, with little chest and narrow hips, like a boy.
Ejemplos
- Designers often choose models with a boyish figure.
- She complained that clothes for curves did not fit her boyish figure.
boyish good looks
1/bˈɔɪɪʃ ɡˈʊd lˈʊks/
fixed phrase
Handsome like a young boy
A face that is good-looking in a soft, young way, like a handsome boy.
Ejemplos
- His boyish good looks made him perfect for teen movies.
- The magazine praised the actor for his boyish good looks.
boyish grin
1/bˈɔɪɪʃ ɡɹˈɪn/
fixed phrase
Playful young-boy smile
A big, happy smile that looks playful and young, like a boy’s smile.
Ejemplos
- He flashed a boyish grin as he accepted the prize.
- With a boyish grin, he admitted he had broken the window.
boyish haircut
1/bˈɔɪɪʃ hˈɛɹkˌʌt/
fixed phrase
Short, boy-like hairstyle
A short, simple hairstyle that looks like the hair many young boys have.
Ejemplos
- She surprised everyone by getting a boyish haircut before college.
- The stylist suggested a boyish haircut to match his casual style.
boyish smile
1/bˈɔɪɪʃ smˈaɪl/
fixed phrase
Gentle young-boy smile
A warm or shy smile that makes someone look like a young boy.
Ejemplos
- Her son gave the camera a shy, boyish smile.
- His boyish smile made it hard to stay angry with him.