Boys will be boys
phrase
Used to express the view that mischievous or childish behavior is typical of boys or young men and should not be surprising.
When Tom and James started play-wrestling on the grass, their mother just sighed and said, 'Boys will be boys'.
Often appears as...
- boys will be boys
- after all; boys will be boys
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Used to justify actions and behavior that may not be acceptable but are typical of boys or young men.
Even when they painted the wall with crayons, their father simply shook his head and said, 'Boys will be boys'.
Often appears as...
- boys will be boys
- and that's no excuse; boys will be boys
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
Used to express the view that mischievous or childish behavior is typical of boys or young men and should not be surprising.
When Tom and James started play-wrestling on the grass, their mother just sighed and said, 'Boys will be boys'.
Often appears as...
- boys will be boys
- after all; boys will be boys
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Used to justify actions and behavior that may not be acceptable but are typical of boys or young men.
Even when they painted the wall with crayons, their father simply shook his head and said, 'Boys will be boys'.
Often appears as...
- boys will be boys
- and that's no excuse; boys will be boys
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Gender Stereotype
This phrase reflects traditional male stereotypes. Be sensitive to its implications when using it.
Seeing the mess, grandma just laughed and remarked, 'Boys will be boys.'
Pro Tip 2/3Minimizing Behavior
It can be used to downplay negative behavior. Understand it doesn't excuse the behavior.
They were running in the museum, but their guide only chuckled, 'Boys will be boys.'
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Some cultures might not appreciate this phrase. Acknowledge cultural differences before using it.
At the international school, teachers avoid saying 'Boys will be boys' during conferences.
Pro Tip 1/3Gender Stereotype
This phrase reflects traditional male stereotypes. Be sensitive to its implications when using it.
Seeing the mess, grandma just laughed and remarked, 'Boys will be boys.'
Pro Tip 2/3Minimizing Behavior
It can be used to downplay negative behavior. Understand it doesn't excuse the behavior.
They were running in the museum, but their guide only chuckled, 'Boys will be boys.'
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Some cultures might not appreciate this phrase. Acknowledge cultural differences before using it.
At the international school, teachers avoid saying 'Boys will be boys' during conferences.
Pro Tip 1/3Gender Stereotype
This phrase reflects traditional male stereotypes. Be sensitive to its implications when using it.
Seeing the mess, grandma just laughed and remarked, 'Boys will be boys.'
Pro Tip 2/3Minimizing Behavior
It can be used to downplay negative behavior. Understand it doesn't excuse the behavior.
They were running in the museum, but their guide only chuckled, 'Boys will be boys.'
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Some cultures might not appreciate this phrase. Acknowledge cultural differences before using it.
At the international school, teachers avoid saying 'Boys will be boys' during conferences.
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