The Phrase "Sissy Girl"

[Robyn Jodie]

Some random thoughts on the term "sissy girl."

In my mind, there are two ways to say "sissy girl."  The first is to put the accent on the word "girl." When I was growing up, a boy would sometimes tell a girl, "Aw, you're just a sissy girl," implying that as a "mere girl" she would be too timid and prissy, unable to understand "boy things."

The other way is to put the accent on the word "sissy,"Which in my mind calls up what The Urban Slang website's "Answers" section says: "The term 'sissy girl' usually refers to a male who is perceived as effeminate or submissive. It is particularly used in fetish subculture. It is almost never used to refer to a genetic female. It is a term of humiliation. "Sissy" in this usage is an epithet meaning a man insufficient in masculinity and sometimes implying homosexuality. The addition of "girl" intensifies the implied effeminacy and also the implied inferiority because "girl" (rather than "woman") is a diminutive. It might also imply inferiority or demotion because of the cultural residue of male chauvinism left by traditional Western gender roles."

I have seen and heard people grope for a term for the opposite of a tomboy -- some have used the term "Jane girl" or "Sally girl" or even just "sissy."  But in my mind "sissy girl" (accent on "sissy") is a better fit than any of the other terms I've heard.  Especially because to me the word "sissy" alone conjures up images of males with fake "bosoms" mincing around in high heels and "that little black dress" possibly passing as female, whereas a "sissy girl" would be someone whose appearance is more juvenile and who can't (or doesn't try) to hide the fact that he is actually male.

The question of the day:
Am I totally messed up thinking this way?
I would love for anyone who either agrees or takes exception to chime in with a reply.

[sissybaby34]

In the context of a male wanting to be more like a female, Sissy Girl to me means being dressed as young girl in frills and nappies even though they are a little to old for such things.

[Robyn Jodie]

I tend to agree that "sissy girl" suggests something more juvenile, and although I wouldn't necessarily go all the way to diapers it would definitely be a possibility.