# soy

/ˈsɔɪ/ (US) · /sˈɔɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/soy
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the bean or its protein

noun · CEFR B1

a type of bean used to make milk, tofu, and other food products.

For teachers: the soybean (Glycine max) or the protein and oil derived from it, frequently used as a meat or dairy alternative.

- Many people choose soy milk as an alternative to cow's milk.
- The food processing industry relies heavily on soy protein as a functional ingredient in a wide variety of vegetarian products.

### 2. the sauce

noun · CEFR B1

a salty, dark brown liquid made from fermented beans, used in cooking.

For teachers: a salty liquid condiment produced by fermenting soybeans with salt and water.

- He added a little soy to the stir-fry to give it more flavour.
- Traditional soy is aged for several months to develop a complex umami profile that cannot be replicated by chemically produced alternatives.

### 3. weak or unmasculine

adjective · CEFR C2 · Slang · Informal

a rude way to describe a man who is seen as weak or not 'manly' enough.

For teachers: a derogatory descriptor used in online subcultures to characterise a man as weak, overly sensitive, or lacking traditional masculine traits.

- He was tired of being called a soy boy just because he liked art.
- The forum was filled with users hurling soy insults at anyone who expressed a moderate opinion on the matter.

Usage: Often used as a modifier in compound terms like 'soy boy'.

Teaching tip: This sense is highly informal and often offensive; it is primarily found in aggressive online political or social debates.

## Examples

- I prefer to drink soy milk in my coffee.
- The restaurant offers several soy alternatives for customers who do not eat meat or dairy.
- While soy remains a staple of global agriculture and vegetarian diets, the term has been co-opted by online subcultures as a shorthand for perceived weakness or lack of virility.

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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.