The Definition of "Handsome"

[Gemina]

"Yes, you can use the adjective handsome for women.

While handsome is more often used for men, women can also be called handsome. When a woman is described as handsome, it suggests that she is very good-looking, and also healthy and strong. Handsome is less likely to be used to describe a woman who is petite or delicate.

...or feminine.

From my experience, when a women is called handsome it is not used as a term of endearment. It is used offensively.

[RobynDaBank]

...or feminine.

From my experience, when a women is called handsome it is not used as a term of endearment. It is used offensively.

I do accept that it's your experience, but in books I've read, some kinda old in the context they were written, women were called "handsome" at times but in a quite neutral manner. Heck in the Valentione quest this time around our companion was called "handsome", like someone mentioned earlier. A woman like a Highlander would get called that.

Also I understand your take on femininity/masculinity applying only on women/men respectively, Gemina. I've seen your posts across time on that topic, and sometimes I agree. But just like men can embrace being androgynous or even feminine - like Veena M Viera for example - women can embrace their naturally brawny, tall or muscular stature too. Sometimes people just don't fit the box they "belong" to, and they can pull that off too.

[Boblawblah]

I do accept that it's your experience, but in books I've read, some kinda old in the context they were written, women were called "handsome" at times but in a quite neutral manner. Heck in the Valentione quest this time around our companion was called "handsome", like someone mentioned earlier. A woman like a Highlander would get called that.

Also I understand your take on femininity/masculinity applying only on women/men respectively, Gemina. I've seen your posts across time on that topic, and sometimes I agree. But just like men can embrace being androgynous or even feminine - like Veena M Viera for example - women can embrace their naturally brawny, tall or muscular stature too. Sometimes people just don't fit the box they "belong" to, and they can pull that off too.

It is interesting that beautiful men are now a fairly acceptable thing, and yet handsome women has the connotation of being too masculine. It's odd, why can't a woman prefer to be more 'handsome' (whatever that might be) and have that be okay? If Zero was considered handsome, would that be a bad thing?

[ZephyrMenodora]

Well, here is the urban dictionary definition - seems flattering just not often used today:

A woman with the kind of refined beauty and attractiveness that requires poise, dignity, and strength of mind and character, things that often come with age; not merely sex-appeal. Usually applied to a woman who is also very well-groomed and from an upper class background.

This phrase is very dated and rarely used in today's English. Those who don't understand the term could almost be insulted by the word "handsome" being applied to a woman, mistakenly thinking you're saying she is masculine.
"Though she had lost long ago her virginal loveliness, she had ripened into a handsome and fruitful looking woman." - Ellen Glasgow

[hagare]

Hey, he has a thing for handsome white men, don't shame him.

Thirst is fine and acceptable in 14

[Kazhar]

While this is probably true, japanese artists also codified an entire genre of hyper-masculine art. (mostly geared towards gay men) So it's not entirely black and white.

[VeyaAkemi]

...or feminine.

From my experience, when a women is called handsome it is not used as a term of endearment. It is used offensively.

I use "handsome" in a positive tone towards women all the time, in particular, I am very fond of the "princely handsome lady" trope, y'now, masculine fashion sense, maybe a rapier... as far as popular/well known examples of the trope go, Utena is probably the archetype for it.

[Imora]

It is interesting that beautiful men are now a fairly acceptable thing, and yet handsome women has the connotation of being too masculine. It's odd, why can't a woman prefer to be more 'handsome' (whatever that might be) and have that be okay? If Zero was considered handsome, would that be a bad thing?

Because masculine traits are "bad".

Personally, I thought Zero to be female before they opened their mouth. Looks sort of androgynous, but still has a feminine air to it, and was female before the calamity on the 13th.

[Kes13a]

How do you do it? How do you manage to find the one person who is still taking your complaints seriously and just push them away with surgical precision?

hey, be nice to poor Aveyond. he uses a picture of his character which basically is a reflection of everything he says is wrong with men in the game. not to mention, I am sure he can recognize when someone is not "arguing in good faith" since.. well.. more reason to suggest they check a mirror...

[Zanarkand-Ronso]

hey, be nice to poor Aveyond. he uses a picture of his character which basically is a reflection of everything he says is wrong with men in the game. not to mention, I am sure he can recognize when someone is not "arguing in good faith" since.. well.. more reason to suggest they check a mirror...

Hey, be nice to Poor Aveyond. His word alone dictates if the game will survive or not.
And dont challenge him, because he will never back up his claims, but he will ignore you.
He is tough cookie