Boys Will Be Boys 👦🏻

Anubha Saxena
3 min readJan 29, 2024

“Boys Will Be Boys?” Debunking the Myth..

Have you ever heard someone say, “Boys will be boys” and wondered what on earth it really means? Well, you’re not alone! This phrase has been tossed around for ages, sometimes as a harmless cliché, and other times, well, not so much.

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Where Did This Phrase Even Come From? 🤔

“Boys will be boys.” It sounds like something out of an old movie, right? Historically, this phrase was used to explain typical boyish behavior — think climbing trees, playing in the mud, or being a bit rowdy. It’s almost like a verbal shrug, an acceptance that boys have a natural tendency to be a certain way. But here’s the twist: this stereotype isn’t just outdated; it’s a bit of a myth-buster!

The Great Myth: All Boys Love Mud and Mischief 🏃🏻

Picture this: a group of boys, all covered in mud, chasing each other around. Classic “boys will be boys,” right? Not so fast! Believe it or not, boys are as diverse as a box of crayons. Some love sports and getting dirty, sure, but others might prefer reading, painting, or cooking up a storm in the kitchen. The reality is, boys can be anything and everything, and that’s pretty awesome.

Boys and Emotions: Breaking the Mold 🥺

Here’s a fun fact: boys have feelings too! Shocking, I know. The old “boys will be boys” stereotype often brushes aside emotions, pushing the idea that boys should be tough and unemotional. But hey, it’s the 21st century, and we know better now. Boys laugh, cry, get scared, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s cool to care, and it’s even cooler to show it.

The Superheroes of Change 🦸🏻

Let’s talk about some real-life superheroes who are crushing this stereotype. Think of famous men who aren’t afraid to be different. There’s Harry Styles, rocking a dress on a magazine cover, or Keanu Reeves, known for being a genuinely nice guy. These dudes are showing the world that being a boy can mean a million different things.

“Boys Will Be Boys” in the Animal Kingdom 🐧

Ready for a wild twist? In the animal kingdom, “boys will be boys” gets even more interesting. Male seahorses help in the birthing process (yes, you read that right!), and male emperor penguins are the ones who keep the eggs warm. Nature is full of surprises, proving that there’s no one way to be a boy, whether you’re a human or a penguin!

Embracing the New Age 💁🏻‍♀️

So, where do we go from here? It’s simple: let boys be who they want to be. Whether they’re into football or ballet, science or art, it’s all good. The world is changing, and stereotypes like “boys will be boys” are evolving. It’s about time we celebrate the uniqueness of every boy out there.

Wrapping It Up with a Bow (or a Mud Pie!)

In conclusion, “boys will be boys” is a phrase that’s had its day. Boys are amazing in all their different shapes, sizes, and interests. So next time you hear someone say, “Boys will be boys,” remember, it’s a phrase ripe for reinvention. Boys will be kind, creative, emotional, strong, gentle — boys will be whatever they choose to be, and that’s the real fun of it! 🌟👦🌈

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Anubha Saxena

Co-Founder of @thebanyantee 👕 Smashing glass ceilings 🔨🚀 Feminist | Equality Advocate 👭❤️ Digital Artist 🖱️ Logophile 📖 Melomaniac 🎧 35 Under 35 🏆