lady-killer
Definition
- Noun:
- A man who is very attractive to women: a "lady-killer" refers to a man who is exceptionally charming, handsome, or skilled at winning the affection and attention of women, often to the point of being seen as a seducer or womanizer.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- He was known as a lady-killer, with a new girlfriend every month. (A man who is very successful in romantic pursuits with women.)
- The film star played the role of a lady-killer, charming every woman he met. (A character portrayed as irresistibly attractive to women.)
Advanced Usage
"to be a bit of a lady-killer": to be somewhat of a womanizer or charmer.
- He thinks he is a bit of a lady-killer, but most women find him arrogant. (He believes he is very attractive to women, but others disagree.)
"to have a reputation as a lady-killer": to be known for having many romantic conquests.
- His reputation as a lady-killer preceded him wherever he went. (People knew about his romantic successes before meeting him.)
Variants and Related Words
Lady-killing (adj): having the qualities of a lady-killer.
- His lady-killing smile made him popular at parties. (His charming smile attracted women.)
Womanizer (n): a man who habitually seduces women.
- He was a notorious womanizer, never staying with one partner long. (A man who pursues many romantic relationships.)
Synonyms
- Casanova: a man known for his many romantic affairs (from the historical figure Giacomo Casanova).
- Don Juan: a legendary Spanish nobleman known for his seduction of women; a libertine.
- Lothario: a man who seduces women, often used in literature.
- Philanderer: a man who engages in casual sexual relationships with women.
Related Idioms
"a man of the world": a sophisticated man with experience in romantic or social matters.
- He was a man of the world, always knowing how to charm a lady. (A sophisticated and experienced charmer.)
"to break hearts": to cause romantic disappointment or sadness.
- He was a lady-killer who left a trail of broken hearts. (He caused many women to fall in love with him and then leave them.)