No, tomboys are not male. A tomboy is a term used to describe a girl or woman, not a boy or man.
What is a Tomboy?
According to the provided reference, a tomboy is defined as:
- A girl or woman who displays behaviors, interests, or clothing styles typically associated with boys or men.
- Tomboys might enjoy activities considered traditionally masculine, like sports or rough play.
Here's a breakdown in a table for clarity:
| Feature | Tomboy |
|---|---|
| Gender | Female (girl or woman) |
| Characteristics | Exhibits traditionally masculine behaviors, interests, or clothing styles |
| Examples | Playing sports, enjoying "rough-and-tumble" play |
Key Differences:
It is essential to understand the difference between gender identity and gender expression.
- Gender Identity: This is an individual's internal sense of being a man, a woman, both, neither, or another gender. A tomboy identifies as female.
- Gender Expression: This refers to how a person outwardly presents their gender through their actions, clothing, interests, etc. A tomboy's expression may lean toward traditionally masculine traits.
Summary
In essence, a tomboy is a girl or woman whose expression of gender deviates from traditional feminine norms. The term relates to a woman's personality or actions and doesn't change her underlying sex or gender.
