PhrasesHub

Boys will be boys

    Definitions

      • Excuse or justify bad behavior
        To imply that certain actions or behavior are expected or typical for young boys, and therefore should be tolerated or overlooked.

      • Accepting gender stereotypes
        To reinforce the belief that boys are naturally more rough or mischievous compared to girls, and thus should not be held to the same standards of behavior.

      • Acknowledging innocent behavior
        To acknowledge that young boys are still learning and developing, and may engage in certain behaviors that are not intentionally malicious or harmful.

    Examples of Boys will be boys

    • Jake would always make messes in his room, leaving his toys scattered about and clothes piled high on the floor. His mother would scold him and insist that he clean up, but Jake would simply roll his eyes and mutter, "Boys will be boys."

      This phrase is used to acknowledge that boys, by nature, are messy and disorganized. Despite being told to clean up, Jake is resigned to the fact that this is just an inherent part of being a boy.

    • During recess, a group of boys would chase each other around the playground, shouting and laughing as they ran. One boy accidentally tripped and fell, bruising his knee in the process. His friends teased him, saying, "Boys will be boys," and helped him up.

      In this instance, "Boys will be boys" is used to mean that accidents will happen, especially when boys are being active and energetic.

    • Peter and his friends would often play tricks on each other, like sneaking up and yelling "Boo!" in each other's faces. Sometimes, these pranks would get a little out of hand, causing small damages or embarrassments. When his mother scolded him for his part in a particularly wild prank, Peter simply shrugged and said, "Boys will be boys."

      Here, "Boys will be boys" is used to excuse boys' tendency to act mischievously and perhaps accidentally cause some harm in the process.

    • At a sleepover, Luke's friends stayed up late playing video games, ignoring Luke's complaints that he was getting tired. As the night wore on, Luke grew increasingly irritable and moody, eventually snapping at his friends and storming off to bed. His friends tried to apologize, but Luke retorted, "Boys will be boys," and went to sleep.

      This phrase is employed to explain that boys can be difficult and stubborn, refusing to sleep or cooperate even when they're tired. Luke's friends recognized this tendency in him and did not force him to stay awake. However, they also recognized that Luke's behavior was a part of being a boy, and accepted it graciously.

    • John was playing with his action figures and making loud noises late at night. His mother told him to be quiet, but he couldn't help himself. She sighed and said, "Boys will be boys."

      The phrase "Boys will be boys" is used to acknowledge that boys often exhibit spontaneous, energetic, or sometimes annoyingly loud behavior, and that their natural tendencies can sometimes be a source of frustration for parents or others around them. It suggests that this behavior is an inherent part of being male, and that it is not always within a boy's control to resist these natural impulses.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "boys will be boys" is often used to excuse or justify bad behavior from young boys. It is commonly used to imply that certain actions or behaviors are expected or typical for boys and should be tolerated or overlooked. This can perpetuate gender stereotypes and reinforce the belief that boys are naturally more rough or mischievous compared to girls.

    However, the idiom can also be used to acknowledge innocent behavior from young boys. It recognizes that boys are still learning and developing, and may engage in certain behaviors that are not intentionally malicious or harmful. This usage of the idiom highlights the idea that children, regardless of gender, should be given room to grow and learn.

    Origin of "Boys will be boys"

    The origin of the idiom "boys will be boys" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century. It was first used in a poem by English author and poet John Norris in 1710. The phrase gained popularity in the 1900s and became a common saying in American culture.

    The idiom reflects societal beliefs and gender stereotypes that have been ingrained for centuries. It suggests that boys are expected to be more mischievous, active, and rebellious compared to girls, who are expected to be more passive and well-behaved. This reinforces the belief that boys and girls have inherently different natures and should be treated and raised differently. However, it is important to recognize that this belief is not based on factual evidence and can be harmful in perpetuating gender inequality.