# missy

/ˈmɪsi/ (US) · /mˈɪsi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/missy
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a name for a young girl, often used when you are annoyed with her or want to show you have more power. It can sound a bit rude or like you are talking down to her.

For teachers: a term of address for a young girl, frequently carrying a patronising or reprimanding tone. Often used by an adult to assert authority or express irritation.

## Examples

- Don't you use that tone of voice with me, little missy.
- The shopkeeper called out to the girl that she needed to pay for that candy, missy, before she left.
- While once a neutral diminutive, the term is now predominantly perceived as condescending, often employed in cinematic tropes to signal a character's dismissive attitude toward a younger female's agency.

## Usage notes

- Often preceded by the adjective 'little' to emphasize the power imbalance or the speaker's annoyance.

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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.