A tomboy is a girl or young woman who exhibits traditionally masculine traits. This can manifest in various ways, encompassing both personality and presentation.
Defining Characteristics of a Tomboy
- Behavior: Tomboys often enjoy activities typically associated with boys, such as playing sports, climbing trees, or engaging in rough-and-tumble play. They may be more assertive and less concerned with conforming to traditional gender roles. (Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary, Quora, Reddit, Dictionary.com)
- Appearance: A tomboy's clothing choices might include traditionally masculine attire, like jeans, t-shirts, and shorts, rather than frilly dresses or skirts. Hair styles can also be more androgynous, such as short cuts. (Wikipedia, Quora, Cambridge Dictionary)
- Personality: While not always the case, tomboys can be perceived as more independent, confident, and less interested in traditionally feminine pursuits. However, it's crucial to note that a tomboy can still be feminine in other aspects of her personality. (Reddit, Medium)
It's important to understand that the term "tomboy" is a social construct, and its meaning can vary depending on cultural context and individual interpretation. Some girls may adopt tomboyish behaviors and styles simply as a personal preference, while others might do so as a form of self-expression or rebellion against gender stereotypes. (Medium) The core concept remains a girl displaying characteristics usually associated with boys, primarily in play and clothing choices. (Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary)
Examples of Tomboy Behaviors and Appearance
- Playing football or baseball.
- Wearing jeans and sneakers.
- Climbing trees or engaging in outdoor adventures.
- Expressing a preference for action movies or video games.
- Having a short haircut.
The term encompasses a spectrum of behaviors and appearances, and a girl can express tomboyish characteristics to varying degrees.
