Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. 1993.
childish, childlike (adjs.)
Childlike is usually used of adults, meaning they are “innocent, trusting, or uncomplicated,” like children at their best. Childish, when used of children, underscores their immaturity and other youthful qualities; when used of adults, childish is pejorative, meaning “immature, unreasonable, foolish, or fretful.” Childishness is frequently cited as an unfortunate symptom of senility.
