# mama's boy

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/mamas-boy
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A male who has a very close bond with his mother, and may consequently be perceived as soft or effeminate.

## Examples

- He is such a mama's boy.
- His friends tease him because he calls his mother every single day like a total mama's boy.
- Despite his age and professional success, his colleagues whispered that he remained a mama's boy who could never make a decision without her approval.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.