Definition

Noun: - A man who is very strong, muscular, and traditionally masculine in appearance and behavior. The term emphasizes physical strength, toughness, and stereotypical male vigor.

Usage

The word "he-man" is used to describe a man who embodies an exaggerated, stereotypical form of masculinity, particularly physical power and a rugged appearance. It is often used informally and can sometimes have a slightly humorous or ironic tone.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The action movie star was often cast as the tough he-man who saves the day.
  • He spends hours at the gym trying to build a he-man physique.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) before another noun.
  • He has a he-man attitude about not showing emotion.
• It can sometimes carry a critical or satirical connotation, questioning outdated stereotypes of masculinity.
  • The advertisement's image of the he-man chopping wood felt like a cliché.

Variants and Related Words

• Machismo (n): Strong or aggressive masculine pride.
• Macho (adj): Exhibiting or characterized by machismo.
• Alpha male (n): A dominant man in a particular group.

Synonyms

• Strongman
• Muscleman
• Tough guy
• Virile man

Antonyms

• Wimp
• Weakling

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "He-man" is itself often used as a fixed descriptive phrase. A related concept is:
  • "All brawn and no brains": A critical idiom describing someone who is physically strong but not intelligent, which could be applied to a stereotypical "he-man" character.

Noun

1. a man who is virile and sexually active