effeminacy etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: "effeminatus" (made womanish, weakened)
  • From "ex" (out of) + "femina" (woman)

Meaning:

  • The quality of being like a woman, especially in terms of being weak, delicate, or lacking masculine qualities.
  • The state of being feminine.

Origin:

The term "effeminacy" was first used in the early 16th century. It originally referred to the physical or behavioral characteristics of men who exhibited traits typically associated with women. These traits included:

  • Daintiness
  • Delicacy
  • Softness
  • Lack of physical strength or aggression
  • Tendency to engage in activities considered feminine, such as sewing or knitting

Over time, the term "effeminacy" acquired a more negative connotation. It came to be associated with weakness, cowardice, and moral degeneracy. This negative view was particularly prevalent in the Victorian era, when rigid gender roles and expectations were strongly enforced.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, attitudes towards effeminacy have become more varied. While some societies still view it as a negative trait, others have become more accepting of diverse gender expressions.

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