Feminine
Feminine is a gender quality used to describe those who present a specific set of traits that is traditionally associated with women and/or girls.[1] These traits typically refer to one's gender identity or one's gender presentation. Though it is associated with women, it is not exclusive to them, and can be used by men, enbies, and others.[2] Individuals that are assigned as female at birth are often taught to behave in a feminine manner.[3]
The exact qualities of femininity depends greatly on culture and time period.
Western Femininity
Western society usually ascribes feminine personalities to be:
- Kind and empathetic,
- Softly speaking and polite,
- Emotional and sensitive,
- Dependent,
- Collaborative and nurturing.[3][4]
As for appearance, feminine physical traits include:
- Long hair, often stylized,
- Use of makeup and jewelry,
- Wearing tight, or form-fitting clothing,
- Wearing skirts or dresses,
- Presenting with red, or pink colors.[4][5]
Feminine behavioral traits include:
- Self care especially involving personal hygiene,
- Connecting with nature, especially flowers and houseplants,
- Dancing, swimming, and other sports considered graceful,
- Wearing perfume.[4]
Related Terms
| Label | Relationship | Description | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Androgynous | Similar | A specific set of traits that is traditionally associated with both women, girls, men and/or boys. | Androgynous includes masculine qualities. |
| Masculine | Counterpart | A specific set of traits that is traditionally associated with men and/or boys. | Masculine qualities differ to feminine qualities. |
| Woman | Counterpart | A binary gender associated with femininity and a connection to girlhood or womanhood. | Woman is the stereotypical gender counterpart to feminine. |
Flags and Symbols
The feminine flag was created by imoga-pride on the 17th of December, 2018.[6]
Resources
- ↑ "feminine". Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feminine. Accessed on 13 Jul, 2023.
- ↑ Wikipedia contributors. "Effeminacy." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 11 Jul. 2023. Web. 13 Jul. 2023.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Drew, Chris (PhD). "15 Femininity Examples". HelpfulProfessor.com, 14 Dec, 2022, https://helpfulprofessor.com/femininity-examples/.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Davenport, Barrie. 1 Jun, 2023. "31 Ways To Be More Feminine And Attractive". livebold&bloom, https://liveboldandbloom.com/06/self-improvement/be-more-feminine.
- ↑ Bhattacharjee, Puja. "The complicated gender history of pink". CNN Health, 12 Jan, 2018, https://edition.cnn.com/2018/01/12/health/colorscope-pink-boy-girl-gender/index.html.
- ↑ imoga-pride. "Masc/Fem Flags". Tumblr, 17 Dec, 2018, https://imoga-pride.tumblr.com/post/181198815416/based-on-unmasculine-and-unfeminine-flags-by.
