pansy

/'pænzi/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
pansy

A pansy blooms with velvety purple and yellow petals in the garden.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A large-flowered garden plant: A cultivated plant, derived primarily from European wild violets, known for its showy, velvety petals in a wide range of colors.
    • A timid or unassertive person: (Often considered derogatory) A man or boy perceived as weak, effeminate, or lacking in courage.
    • A derogatory term for a gay man: (Offensive slang) A contemptuous term for an openly homosexual man.
Usage Examples
  • Noun (Plant):
    • She planted purple and yellow pansies in the window box.
    • The pansy is a popular flower for cool-weather gardens.
  • Noun (Timid Person):
    • He was called a pansy for refusing to fight. (Derogatory)
  • Noun (Offensive Slang):
    • Using "pansy" as a slur is unacceptable and hurtful. (This example illustrates the offensive nature of this usage.)
Advanced Usage
  • The term's evolution from a flower name to a pejorative for perceived weakness or homosexuality is an example of semantic derogation, often reflecting societal prejudices.
  • In historical and literary contexts, "pansy" might be encountered with its offensive meanings, which are now widely recognized as inappropriate.
Variants and Related Words
  • Pansy (adj.): Sometimes used attributively to describe something as overly delicate or effeminate (e.g., ), though this usage is also often pejorative.
  • Pansy boy (noun, offensive): An intensified derogatory term with similar meanings.
Synonyms
  • For the plant: Viola, garden violet.
  • For a timid person (derogatory): Coward, milksop, weakling, sissy.
  • Offensive term for a gay man: Derogatory synonyms include other slurs, which are not listed here as they are offensive.
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • No specific common idioms or phrasal verbs are directly formed with "pansy" as the core component. Its usage is primarily as a standalone noun, often with negative connotations in its figurative senses.
pansy

A pansy blooms with velvety purple and yellow petals in the garden.

Noun
  1. offensive term for an openly homosexual man
  2. a timid man or boy considered childish or unassertive
  3. large-flowered garden plant derived chiefly from the wild pansy of Europe and having velvety petals of various colors

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ gần giống

Từ chứa "pansy"

Từ có nhắc đến "pansy"