Where did the term 'tomboy' originate?

Answer 1

The English word 'tomboy' was coined in the 1550s to mean "rude, boisterous boy".

The meaning of "bold or immodest woman" is recorded from the 1570s.

The meaning of "girl who acts like a spirited boy" is from the 1590s.

Answer 2

The exact origin of the term tomboy is not known but is known to originated in the 16th century when it was first published in the Oxford English Dictionary.