stereotypowa

Stereotypowa is the feminine form of the Polish adjective stereotypowy, meaning “stereotypical” or “characteristic of a stereotype.” It describes things that conform to a generalization or cliché rather than being unique or nuanced.

The term derives from the Polish noun stereotyp, borrowed into Polish from European languages, with the suffix -owa marking feminine gender. It is used with feminine nouns, for example in phrases like postać stereotypowa (a stereotypical character) or kobieta stereotypowa (the stereotypical woman).

In sociology, media studies, and everyday language, stereotypowa describes representations, roles, or behaviors that align with common clichés or biases. It can apply to images in film, advertising, or public discourse, as in descriptions of an “obraz stereotypowy” or “zachowanie stereotypowe,” to signal oversimplification.

Note that usage often carries evaluative weight, signaling judgments about the accuracy, fairness, or impact of portrayals. While not inherently pejorative, it commonly functions to critique or call for more nuanced depictions that reflect complexity beyond conventional norms.

See also: stereotype, stereotypizacja. Examples include: postać stereotypowa, kobieta stereotypowa, obraz stereotypowy w mediach.