childish

Everyday

1. Childish describes an older person or their behaviour when it is silly or immature, like a small child's — usually as a criticism. tree →
2. Childish means belonging to or like a child: «childish handwriting». tree →

In the lessons

In stories and arguments «Don't be childish!» tells someone to act their age. In everyday talk it criticises sulking, name-calling or tantrums. In descriptions it can just mean like a young child, without blame. Compare «childlike», which is positive.

Examples

• Stop being so childish and say sorry. tree →
• It was childish to hide his pencil case. tree →
• The note was written in childish handwriting. tree →
• Dad's jokes are a bit childish, but we laugh. tree →
• Calling names is childish. tree →
• She thought the cartoon was too childish for her. tree →
• His games, too, were quite different; they were not so childish. tree →

Note

Usually negative. «Childlike» is positive (innocent and full of wonder). Do not say a child is childish for acting their age.