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manly
/ ˈmænlɪ /
adjective
- possessing qualities, such as vigour or courage, generally regarded as appropriate to or typical of a man; masculine
- characteristic of or befitting a man
a manly sport
Derived Forms
- ˈmanliness, noun
Other Words From
- manli·ness noun
Word History and Origins
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
Cut all those men right out of your life who have made being a whiner their "manly" identity.
Perhaps Trump’s greatest con of all, abetted by the enablers and grifters of the so-called manosphere, has been to sell young men on the idea that he is a manly guy, someone to emulate.
It's easy to be lulled into this notion that all the fascists want is some hair-stroking assurances, however false, that the rest of us do think they're manly and funny and great in bed.
But what Vance's special sandbox of alt-right dudes shares is this bottomless sense of grievance, which they mistake for a manly virtue, instead of a sign of arrested development.
It was a "ridiculous business... when they made me try to persuade Harry to stay. Kind of manly pep talk. Totally hopeless", writes Johnson, about the meeting between the pair of Old Etonians.
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About This Word
What does manly mean?
Manly means having qualities traditionally associated with men, such as courage or strength.
Manly is typically used to describe a man who has qualities (or who display qualities) that are generally considered to be characteristic of a man or manhood, as in He was dressed as a manly lumberjack with a thick beard and big muscles.
It can also be used to describe things that involve, are intended for, are popular among, or are thought to be appropriate for men, as in My grandfather enjoyed manly hobbies like hunting.
Of course, all of these associations are based on gender stereotypes that are often sexist and exclusionary. Manly implies qualities, attributes, and interests that are not exclusive to men, and that do not apply to every man. Anyone can be courageous and strong. Anyone can be good at and enjoy sports or outdoor activities. For these reasons, many people avoid using adjectives like manly and object to their use.
Example: He calls himself a manly man who enjoys manly things like powerlifting and beef stew.
Where does manly come from?
The first records of the word manly come from before 900. The adjective -ly is often used to form adverbs, but it is used here to form an adjective. It means “having the qualities of,” making manly mean “having the qualities a man.”
When used to describe males, manly is nearly always used positively to indicate that they have desirable traits or qualities. When it’s used to describe a woman, however, manly is more often used to accuse her of “acting like a man” or having the traits of a man, implying that this is a bad thing.
The word mannish is also used this way. Words like this are based on society’s concept of gender roles, which are ingrained stereotypes not tied to biology but instead based on traditional notions of how men and women should act.
Did you know … ?
What are some other forms related to manly?
- manliness (noun)
What are some synonyms for manly?
What are some words that share a root or word element with manly?
What are some words that often get used in discussing manly?
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