Understanding the Meaning of “Tomboy”
The term tomboy has long sparked intrigue, debate, and admiration. Historically used to describe girls or women who express themselves in ways typically seen as masculine, the word has continually evolved. With expanding awareness of gender diversity, it’s now more important than ever to explore what being a tomboy truly means today.
What Does “Tomboy” Mean Today?
In modern contexts, a tomboy usually refers to someone assigned female at birth (AFAB) who embraces behaviors, interests, or appearances traditionally associated with masculinity. This can take many forms, such as:
- Wearing oversized or traditionally male clothing
- Engaging in male-dominated sports or hobbies
- Expressing themselves through body language or speech patterns that defy feminine expectations
- Identifying with androgynous or masculine cultural icons
Importantly, identifying as a tomboy does not necessarily mean someone is transgender, non-binary, or lesbian. Being a tomboy is mainly about gender presentation and individual style, and may or may not relate to gender identity or sexual orientation.
Origins: The Etymology of “Tomboy”
The word tomboy dates back to 16th-century England, though its original meaning was quite different.
- 1550s: “Tom” was a generic name for any man, and “tomboy” initially referred to boisterous boys.
- Later: The term evolved to describe girls who defied feminine norms—often labeled as unruly or improper by societal standards.
This linguistic shift signals early discomfort with gender nonconformity and showcases how language reflects social attitudes toward women stepping outside prescribed roles.
Historical Tomboys: From Rule Breakers to Icons
The 19th Century: Dismantling Femininity
In the Victorian era, upper-class and intellectual women began pushing back against strict ideals of femininity—challenging fashion norms, limiting corsets, and seeking physical freedoms. Tomboys became figures of defiance, often depicted in literature as bold and intelligent.
Characters like Jo March in Little Women became cultural symbols of spirited, independence-driven young women not afraid to stray from tradition.
The 20th Century: Shaping a New Identity
During wartime, women entered traditionally male jobs, adopted practical clothing, and proved their capability outside of domestic spheres. This era normalized utility-focused fashion for women and elevated the tomboy image in society.
In the 1920s, the flapper or garçonne look—featuring short hair, loose clothing, and smoking—challenged beauty and gender standards, paving the way for tomboy aesthetics in mainstream culture.
Gender Expression vs. Gender Identity
It’s crucial to separate the concepts of:
- Gender expression: how someone dresses, talks, or expresses themselves externally
- Gender identity: one’s internal understanding of their gender (e.g., woman, man, non-binary)
A tomboy might:
- Be a cisgender woman who presents in a more masculine way
- Identify as non-binary or somewhere along the gender spectrum
- Be in a process of gender exploration
- Embody an alternative form of femininity
In essence, tomboy is a flexible and personal term. Some use it with pride; others may view it as limiting or outdated.
Sexual Orientation: Debunking the Myths
A long-standing myth is that all tomboys are lesbians. This assumption arises from confusion between gender expression and sexual orientation.
While some lesbians express themselves through tomboy fashion, it’s critical to understand that masculine presentation does not determine sexual preference. A heterosexual woman can be a tomboy, and a feminine woman can be a lesbian.
These misconceptions often lead to social stigma, especially in conservative or traditional settings, where gender nonconformity is misunderstood or vilified.
Tomboy Aesthetics: Looks, Brands, and Icons
Signature Style
Classic tomboy fashion often blends utility with edge:
- Oversized tees and button-down shirts
- Baggy jeans or cargo pants
- Boots, sneakers, or unisex shoes
- Neutral to dark color schemes
- Minimal or no accessories
This effortless, comfort-first style mixes streetwear, menswear, and workwear to convey confidence and individuality.
Brands That Embrace Androgyny
- Telfar and WILDFANG (USA)
- Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto (Japan)
- COS and Acne Studios (Scandinavia)
These labels champion gender-neutral fashion and are popular within queer and alternative fashion communities.
Cultural Icons Who Embody Tomboy Energy
- Kristen Stewart: Known for her short hair, androgynous looks, and advocacy in LGBTQ+ spaces
- Ruby Rose: Genderfluid actor with a rebellious fashion sense
- Billie Eilish: Initially rose to fame with an oversized, tomboyish wardrobe
- Asia Kate Dillon: Non-binary actor who embraces minimalist, non-gendered looks
Tomboy Style as Feminist Resistance
For many, adopting a tomboy identity is a form of feminist self-expression. It challenges deeply ingrained norms around beauty, behavior, and sexuality.
Choosing functional clothing over fashion, rejecting makeup, and embracing masculine traits serves as a quiet but powerful rebellion against compulsory femininity.
In this way, the tomboy identity contributes to broader movements questioning the validity of binary gender roles and redefining what it means to be feminine—or even a woman.
Global Perspectives on Tomboys
In Asia
- South Korea: K-pop idols with androgynous appeal are celebrated for their tomboyish charisma.
- Thailand: The term “Tom” is used for masculine lesbians, forming a distinct queer subculture.
In Africa and Latin America
- In several African nations, tomboy behaviors are still often viewed as non-normative or suspicious.
- While the term “tomboy” is not widely used in Latin America, similar gender non-conformity is visible in queer spaces.
The term tomboy may not carry the same name or connotation everywhere, but the experience of pushing back against gender expectations resonates across cultural lines.