Sissy

Sissy is a term often used pejoratively to describe a boy or man who exhibits characteristics traditionally associated with femininity, such as effeminacy, timidity, or perceived weakness. Historically, the term has been employed to enforce gender norms and discourage boys from deviating from stereotypical masculine behavior. Its usage can be found in various cultural contexts, often in relation to bullying, social exclusion, and the policing of gender expression.

In recent years, the term has seen some reclamation and reinterpretation within certain subcultures and communities, particularly in LGBTQ+ and BDSM contexts. In these spaces, "sissy" can be adopted as a term of self-identification or as part of a role-playing dynamic, sometimes associated with gender non-conformity, feminization, or specific sexual interests. This reappropriation aims to strip the term of its negative connotations and imbue it with new meaning. However, outside of these specific contexts, "sissy" generally retains its insulting and derogatory usage.