Meaning & Definition of word "Masculinity"

Masculinity

/ˌmæskjʊˈlɪnɪti/

noun:

  • 1. The quality or state of being masculine; manliness.
    • Example: His masculinity was evident in his confident demeanor and assertive speech.
  • 2. Traits or attributes associated with being male, often contrasted with femininity.
    • Example: Cultural norms around masculinity can influence how men express their emotions.
  • 3. A social construct that defines the roles, behaviors, and attributes typically associated with men.
    • Example: The seminar focused on how modern masculinity is evolving and what it means in today's society.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'masculinus', meaning 'of men' or 'manly'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

toxic masculinity:

Cultural norms that define male behavior as aggressive and unemotional.

traditional masculinity:

Cultural expectations for men to be strong, stoic, and protective.

hegemonic masculinity:

A form of masculinity that dominates and subordinates other gender expressions.

Related Words

femininity:

The quality of being female or feminine.

gender:

The state of being male or female regarding social and cultural differences.

androgyny:

The combination of masculine and feminine characteristics.

Slang Meanings of masculinity

Meaning: Man up

Example Sentence: Telling someone to 'man up' implies they should display traditional masculine qualities.

Meaning: Bro culture

Example Sentence: Refers to a social group among young men that emphasizes traditional masculinity.