boyish

[ boi-ish ]

adjective

1. of or befitting a boy; engagingly youthful or innocent:

   a boyish grin.

boyish

/ ˈbɔɪɪʃ /

adjective

1. of or like a boy in looks, behaviour, or character, esp when regarded as attractive or endearing

   a boyish smile

Derived Forms

• ˈboyishly, adverb
• ˈboyishness, noun

Other Words From

• boyish·ly adverb
• boyish·ness noun
• un·boyish adjective
• un·boyish·ly adverb
• un·boyish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of boyish¹

First recorded in 1540–50; boy + -ish ¹

Example Sentences

Grant chooses goofy professor over, say, conflicted wannabe monk, and offers, if nothing else, a reminder that a boyish smile and twinkling blue eyes are simply quirks of genetics rather than reflections of humanity.

From Los Angeles Times

Hernández may just be a regular, funny guy who got a chance at “SNL” but his ability to use his enthusiastic and boisterous boyish charm makes him the show’s greatest new talent in years.

From Salon

Ani is the only girl at Headquarters who speaks Russian, and her rusty language skills picked up from her grandmother perfectly complement Ivan’s sexual naivete and boyish charm.

From Salon

His rendition of Fly Me To the Moon impressed the judges, as did his boyish charm - he showed a cheeky streak when he flashed a mid-song wink at Girls Aloud star Cheryl.

From BBC

In person, Baker is boyish and down to earth, his clothes a comfy, unpretentious combo of sweatshirt and nondescript jeans, the familiar wardrobe of this most unassuming of America’s new wave of indie auteurs.

From Los Angeles Times