lady's man

A man known as a lady's man chats amiably with a group of women at a garden party.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A man who is particularly charming and attentive to women: "lady's man" refers to a man who is known for his ability to attract, please, and spend time with women, often in a flirtatious or romantic context.

Usage Examples

• (A man who is very charming and successful with women.)
• (A man who actively seeks or receives romantic interest from women.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be a lady's man": to have a reputation for being popular with women.
  • After years of being shy, he became a lady's man in college. (He developed a reputation for being charming and attractive to women.)
• "lady's man" used in a slightly negative sense: sometimes implies that the man is insincere, flirtatious, or overly focused on romantic conquests.
  • She avoided him because he was known as a lady's man and she wanted a serious relationship. (She saw him as untrustworthy due to his flirtatious nature.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ladies' man (noun): a common alternative spelling or pronunciation of "lady's man," meaning the same thing.
  • He was always the ladies' man at the office. (He was the man most popular with female colleagues.)
• Lady-killer (noun): a slang term with a similar meaning, often implying a man who is very successful in seducing women.
  • That movie star is a real lady-killer. (He is very attractive to women.)

Synonyms

• Casanova: a man known for many romantic conquests (from the historical figure).
• Lothario: a man who seduces women (from a character in literature).
• Womanizer: a man who habitually seduces women and has many short-term romantic relationships (often with a negative connotation).

Related Idioms

• A wolf in sheep's clothing: a person who pretends to be harmless but is actually dangerous or deceptive, often used for a lady's man who hides his intentions.
  • He seemed kind, but he was a wolf in sheep's clothing — a real lady's man. (He appeared gentle but was actually a seducer.)
• To have a way with women: to be naturally skilled at charming or pleasing women.
  • He has a way with women; they always feel comfortable around him. (He is naturally charming to women.)

Cultural Note

The term "lady's man" is somewhat dated but still used in modern English. It often carries a mix of admiration and caution, as such a man may be seen as either socially skilled or untrustworthy, depending on the context.