masculinity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "masculinity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing traits, behaviors, or cultural expectations traditionally associated with being male. Example: "The concept of masculinity has evolved significantly over the past few decades, challenging traditional stereotypes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He found that perceptions of masculinity altered across the menstrual cycle, with "a preference for more masculine faces when women are fertile".

The Guardian - Film

Over the last three days, the Twitter account @Cooledmiliband has posted a series of photos where Miliband's face has been pasted on to icons of masculinity.

The Guardian

There's also a lot of stereotypical "masculinity" on display (and not just Cedric's chest).

The Guardian

Her photos hone in on the "cult of masculinity" amongst the generation born as the Soviet Union fell apart: they show a disaffected urban existence amongst graffiti, hanging around on train tracks and playing with guns.

The Guardian

The issue of masculinity is a recurring theme in My Struggle.

The Guardian - Books

If my ass can threaten outdated ideas of masculinity, then prepare yourselves for a long summer, sexists: I'm wearing my short-shorts everywhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

But even celebrities like West and Smith have faced backlash for playing with gendered dress expectations because doing so is scary to many men who cling to traditional tropes of masculinity.

The Guardian - Opinion

By the early noughties, psychologists, behaviourists and evolutionary biologists had got their teeth into it, and started to investigate variability in preferences for masculinity.

The Guardian - Film

So when a man wears a suit, he is simply adopting the standard uniform of a conventional authoritative masculinity, as Grayson Perry recently noted in his description of the great white male.

The Guardian

Reuniting Brad Pitt with David Fincher, the director behind the cult millennial slasher flick Seven, Fight Club was one of the company's most crucial releases, a $60m action-inflected black comedy about masculinity in crisis that was sure to cause a ruckus.

The Guardian - Film

Claire Hubberstey, interim chief executive of Safer London Foundation, a charity working with young people to reduce crime, warns that gangs are using sexual violence in the same way that they use dangerous dogs to parade their masculinity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "masculinity", be specific about which aspects you are referring to, as the concept encompasses a wide range of traits and behaviors. Consider specifying traditional, modern, or toxic forms to provide clarity.

Common error

Refrain from making sweeping statements about "masculinity" as a whole. Recognize that experiences and expressions of masculinity vary widely across cultures, individuals, and time periods.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "masculinity" is as a noun, referring to the qualities or characteristics associated with being male. As shown by Ludwig, it is often used to discuss social constructs, personal identity, and cultural expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "masculinity" is a frequently used noun that refers to the qualities and characteristics associated with being male. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its varied usage across different contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. The concept is subject to ongoing discussion and re-evaluation, with related terms like "manliness" and "machismo" offering alternative perspectives. When writing about "masculinity", it’s important to be specific and avoid generalizations due to its broad and often contested nature. Ludwig underscores that the meaning and implications of "masculinity" continue to evolve, making it a complex and relevant topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manliness

Emphasizes the qualities and characteristics traditionally associated with being a man.

male identity

Focuses on the sense of self and personal understanding related to being male.

conventional masculinity

Indicates traditional and established ideas about what it means to be masculine.

machismo

Highlights an exaggerated or assertive display of masculinity, often associated with dominance.

virility

Emphasizes the physical strength, energy and reproductive capacity associated with men.

male vigor

Highlights the strength and active energy associated with men.

male gender role

Refers to the societal expectations and behaviors associated with being male.

toxic masculinity

Focuses on harmful aspects of traditional masculinity, such as aggression and emotional repression.

male prowess

Stresses exceptional ability or skill traditionally attributed to men.

gendered expectations

Focuses on the social norms and beliefs about how males are expected to behave

FAQs

How can "masculinity" be defined in contemporary society?

In contemporary society, "masculinity" is defined less by traditional stereotypes and more by individual expression, encompassing a range of traits and behaviors. It acknowledges diverse experiences and challenges outdated norms.

What are some alternatives to using the word "masculinity" in writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "manliness", "male identity", or "virility" to express different aspects of the concept.

What is the difference between "masculinity" and "machismo"?

"Masculinity" generally refers to the qualities associated with being male, while "machismo" often implies an exaggerated or aggressive display of masculine traits, particularly dominance and virility.

How does "masculinity" relate to discussions of gender equality?

"Masculinity" is often discussed in the context of gender equality to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote healthier expressions of male identity that value respect, empathy, and emotional intelligence. This also involves addressing "toxic masculinity".