Discussion: "metrosexual"

[Fenix]

metrosexual

(MET.roh.sek.shoo.ul) n. A dandyish narcissist in love with not only himself, but also his urban lifestyle; a straight man who is in touch with his feminine side.

The typical metrosexual is a young man with money to spend, living in or within easy reach of a metropolis — because that's where all the best shops, clubs, gyms and hairdressers are. He might be officially gay, straight or bisexual, but this is utterly immaterial because he has clearly taken himself as his own love object and pleasure as his sexual preference. Particular professions, such as modeling, waiting tables, media, pop music and, nowadays, sport, seem to attract them but, truth be told, like male vanity products and herpes, they're pretty much everywhere.
—Mark Simpson, "Meet the metrosexual," Salon.com, July 22, 2002

Now, how would this word relate to Homosexual or Heterosexual. I don't think a man that is in touch with his feminine side has anything to do with his sexuality.

And don't be quick to jump to concluding that a Metrosexual would mean a man is Homosexual; they can kick your ass. But I just think this word has no use. So what would a man in touch with his masculine side be called? Normal?

Also, are they saying that majority of men who live in METROpolitan areas are in touch with their feminine side?

This word just bothers me somehow. Your opinion?

[GreatWyrm of Babylon]

I did not realize that we had actually settled what male even means. If it is based on having an addiction to sports and being territorial with the remote control, I am afraid I am a failure as a man. The last time I turned on my TV I could not even remember what channel the show I sometimes watch was on, so I guess it will be at least another month before I try that again.

I live in Dallas, I do work out in the mornings because school does not keep me from getting fat, I listen to the radio only when in my car, and I read books for entertainment and watch the occassional movie. So I suppose I am a dismal failure as a metrosexual as well.

[KaizerKa]

2 questions I need answered before I can delve into this:

-What is the origin of this word?
-Is the definition of this word meant to say that the person described with this adjective is in some way abnormal? If so, what exactly is considered to be the norm?

[Fallen Angel]

We have alot of metros in Sydney, they are mostly straight, have no sense of humour and generally walk around with little smirks on their faces at some hidden joke you are not aware of(but are part of in their eyes) they love to cause road rage, and if you are having a bit of trouble at the lights they will be horning you with utmost contempy.
Generally, they are very intelligent, up to date with the latest gossip, around late teens and early twenties in age, have a perverted view of sex, are absolutely in love with technology, have no respect for anyone, spend a lot of time admiring themselves, are aetheist but are willing recruits to Satan, generally they aren't nice people.

[UpInMahGrill]

I've also noticed that they tend to lie alot too. They never leave their quarters without being FULLY pampered much like a female.

There was an article over this new term on msn.com might be useful to post it.

[RebelWithanAK]

I would dare say Mark Simpson has something against metropolitan areas if he's gone and invented an entire category of upper-middle class narcissism for the sake of poo-poo'ing it...

*googles Mark Simpson*

...ahh, a Los Angelino. Explains everything.

[Jay]

It is nothing more than a fashion term made up by someone with an inferiority complex. It is like a reaction to the overestimation of individualism.
People just tend to thing in categories, put everything into neat drawers along with those key terms with which you can identify the right drawer.
I think it will either be gone like any other contemporary trend based on lifestyle or it will actually make its way into a dictionary. The latter would be ridiculous since it practically describes nothing of importance. OR DO WE MAKE UP TERMS FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO EAT PIE?!?!

[fog]

I don't see how narcissism and living in an urban area in any way influences your sexual orientation.

It's kind of like "gay" vs. "homosexual" -- everyone I know now uses "gay" to mean more of a combination of effete and feminine. I have a friend who's homosexual; he's not at all "gay." I'd characterize several of the people I know who are heterosexual as "gay," however. The terms seem to have deviated a lot from their meaning.

I've never seen the "metrosexual" term before, but I have a hard time considering it a credible one -- it seems to be confusing narcissism and sexuality, which really have nothing at all in common.

Heh, I like the point Jay ended with about apple pie. I love apple pie, but that has absolutely nothing to do with my sexual orientation.

[Cathy]

I don't perceive "metrosexual" as a real word as such - just a fashionable term which may or may not stick - it remains to be seen. Maybe I will have to eat my words in a year's time when it's in the dictionary!!!

(Please don't tell me it's a real word already...)

The characteristic of a metrosexual that I find most definitive is their use of beauty products. I know a couple of guys who spend more on hair and beauty products than I do!

[ColWTH]

It's just more kitchy BS.

Just like "Gen Xer"
"Yuppie"
"Yippie"
"Baby Boomer"

Blah, blah, blah.

[indierockboy]

it's just another convenient stereotype used to label and dismiss people who we don't agree with.

[Cathy]

It may be a stereotype, I don't think the word metrosexual has negative connotations.

[Steven Nemes]

I never heard of the word. From what I understand, it's a strait guy who's a pansy. :-\ Sounds like the chorus teacher at my school.

[G. Adams]

Its the inevitable conclusion of mens fumbling about for a new definition of what it is to be a man. With women taking on the roles and qualities of men, men are kind of lost and useless, not able to say 'this is what it is to be a man'. So the only option is to do what women have done, incorporate women's roles and qualities. To the most part I'd say it was a positive thing, it makes you a better and more rounded individual, and I hate anything that says 'this is what it is to be man/woman/good/evil etc'.

However, manicures and makeup is pointless. Its fine for men to start caring for their bodies, like going down the gym and working for their six pack, and learning how to cook anything more than a microwave meal, but eyeliner and lipgloss is going too far.

[brushstroke]

American Psycho.....anybody see that movie, or maybe read the book?

its about a guy who wakes up in the mourning.....gets a shower puts all these odd beauty products on....works out....puts on his suit.....and goes to his job at Wall Street.

comes home goes to a fancy dinner place where you have to reserve a place months in advance to get a table...

he is always thinking about whats wrong with other people (co workers, friends, girls), why they say what they do, how they are making him mad..etc...



a scene in the movie that I think desribes a metrosexual well is

when he is "making love" to a hooker in the ass..... he looks at himself in the mirror and starts flexing

[rlwinton]

its a word to help those straight men out who are insecure about being called gay but aren't the gender norm. i say, defeat gender norms! that means erasing words like "metrosexual" because does it really matter?
i think not.

[dotcoma]

This word was created so that classless dumbasses can call EVERYONE a fag...

[Comrade]

Classless dumbasses have no problems calling people FAGs, they don't need a new word. The word metrosexual is to be used in reference to men like Ben Affleck, who use skin care products.

http://maddox.xmission.com/c.cgi?u=real_men

men who are not afraid to breast feed their children

[bugsbunny04]

Two words: Abercrombie, Fitch.

[bugsbunny04]

Originally posted by Fenix, So what would a man in touch with his masculine side be called? Normal?

According to a shrink I know, "yes, exactly."