man-child

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The word "man-child" is a noun that refers to an adult male who behaves in a childish or immature way. It combines the words "man" (an adult male) and "child" (a young person).

Simple Explanation

A man-child is a grown man who acts like a kid. This can mean he avoids responsibilities, has childish interests, or is dependent on others, like parents or partners, to take care of him.

Usage Instructions

You can use "man-child" when you want to describe a man who is not acting his age, especially when he should be taking on adult responsibilities. It is often used in a critical or negative way.

Example

• "Even though he is 30 years old, he still plays video games all day and never cleans his apartment. He really is a man-child."

Advanced Usage

In more advanced discussions, "man-child" can be used in social or psychological contexts to describe behaviors that prevent personal growth or maturity in men. It can also be a point of discussion in gender studies about societal expectations of masculinity.

Word Variants

• The term does not have many variants, but you might see "manboy" used in a similar way, though "man-child" is more common.

Different Meanings

• While "man-child" typically refers to an immature adult male, in a different context, "child" can simply mean a young person of any gender.

Synonyms

• Immature man
• Peter Pan (referring to the character who never grows up)
• Man-boy (less common)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "man-child," but you might hear phrases like "growing up" or "taking responsibility," which contrast with the idea of being a man-child.

Summary

Overall, "man-child" is a descriptive term that points out when an adult male is not living up to the expectations of maturity and responsibility.

Academic

Noun

1. a child who is male

Synonyms

• male offspring