doetje

Of unclear origin, possibly related to dutten (“to doze off”). Also compare dot (“tuft, clump”).[1]

Originally the word only referred to women, but over the course of the twentieth century it became more common to also use it for men who were considered insufficiently masculine.

• IPA^(key): /ˈdut.jə/

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• Hyphenation: doet‧je

doetje n (plural doetjes)

1. (derogatory) A softie, a weak-willed or cowardly person.
2. (archaic, derogatory) An unintelligent or weak-willed woman.