Boyhood is a critical phase in a person's life, marking the transition from childhood to adolescence. During this time, individuals typically undergo significant physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Boyhood is often viewed as a time for learning, play, and the development of friendships. Cultural portrayals of boyhood have been depicted in literature, art, and cinema, where it is often presented as a time of exploration and growth. The notion of boyhood can vary depending on the cultural, societal, and familial contexts, as some cultures place more emphasis on the transition to adulthood, while others highlight the innocence and freedom associated with this period.
Word 'boyhood' in Other Languages
- boyhood in Assamese অসমীয়া
- boyhood in Bengali বাংলা
- boyhood in Bodo बड़ो
- boyhood in Dogri डोगरी
- boyhood in English
- boyhood in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
- boyhood in Hindi हिन्दी
- boyhood in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
- boyhood in Kashmiri कॉशुर
- boyhood in Konkani कोंकणी
- boyhood in Maithili মৈথিলী
- boyhood in Malayalam മലയാളം
- boyhood in Manipuri মৈতৈলোন্
- boyhood in Marathi मराठी
- boyhood in Nepali नेपाली
- boyhood in Oriya ଓଡ଼ିଆ
- boyhood in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- boyhood in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
- boyhood in Santali
- boyhood in Sindhi سنڌي
- boyhood in Tamil தமிழ்
- boyhood in Telugu తెలుగు
- boyhood in Urdu اُردُو
Boyhood
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ˈbɔɪˌhʊd/
Definitions
- Noun: The period of a boy's life before reaching adulthood, typically from infancy to adolescence.
- Noun: The qualities or characteristics associated with being a boy, especially in relation to youth or innocence.
Usage Examples
- His memories of boyhood were filled with carefree days of play.
- She recalled the innocence of her brother's boyhood with fondness.
Etymology
The word "boyhood" combines "boy," which has been used in English since the 13th century to describe a young male, and "hood," which denotes a state or condition, coming from Old English "hōd" meaning a state or a period of time. "Boyhood" thus refers to the state or condition of being a boy.
Synonyms
- Childhood
- Youth
- Adolescence
- Boyishness
Antonyms
- Adulthood
- Manhood
- Grown-up
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| French | Enfance de garçon | /ɑ̃.fɑ̃s də ɡaʁ.sɔ̃/ |
| Spanish | Niñez | /niˈɲeθ/ |
| German | Jungenjahre | /ˈjʊŋənˌjaːʁə/ |
| Hindi | लड़के का बचपन | /ˈləɽkeː kɑː bət͡ʃpən/ |
| Russian | Детство мальчика | /ˈdʲɛtsˌtvo ˈmalʲt͡ɕɪkə/ |
| Chinese | 男孩的童年 | /nán hái de tóng nián/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- American English: /ˈbɔɪˌhʊd/
- British English: /ˈbɔɪˌhʊd/
- Australian English: /ˈbɔɪˌhʊd/
Historical Usage
The concept of "boyhood" has been a significant aspect of societal norms, especially in Western cultures. Historically, it referred to a stage of life characterized by innocence and a lack of responsibilities. Over time, the definition expanded to include the period of life between childhood and adolescence. In literature, "boyhood" often evokes nostalgia and the carefree nature associated with youth.
Cultural Nuances
The meaning and cultural significance of "boyhood" can vary significantly across different societies. In some cultures, it is associated with rites of passage, marking the transition from boyhood to manhood. In others, it may be celebrated as a time of play and discovery, symbolizing innocence and freedom. Additionally, gender roles during boyhood can affect how boys are expected to behave or develop, particularly in more traditional societies.