boys will be boys
The phrase 'boys will be boys' is often used to excuse or downplay behaviors typically associated with masculinity, but it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
Definition
B2General
(informal, idiomatic)Used to excuse or downplay mischievous, rough, or reckless behavior in boys or men by suggesting it is natural or inevitable.
Example
- When the boys started wrestling in the living room, their father just shrugged and said, 'boys will be boys.'
C1Sociocultural
(informal, critical)Used to justify or tolerate aggressive or inappropriate behavior in boys or men, often perpetuating negative gender stereotypes.
Example
- Critics argue that saying 'boys will be boys' can excuse harmful actions and reinforce outdated gender norms.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "boys will be boys":
boys' toysboys and girlslittle boys' roomboy next doorboy in bluegood old boydomlittle boy