The Definition of "Handsome"

[ZephyrMenodora]

When a male is referred to as pretty, it suggests that his appearance is more feminine..

In my experience, this is more used to describe an attractive, well dressed/groomed/clean cut guy than a feminine guy. Like, adult Zac Efron is often an example of this.

[Gemina]

In my experience, this is more used to describe an attractive, well dressed/groomed/clean cut guy than a feminine guy. Like, adult Zac Efron is often an example of this.

There is a difference between being a dapper male, and a self-absorbed male who worries too much about his appearance. The latter is what pretty boys do, and sadly most of them do it thinking it will attract the opposite sex; or rather, a feminine partner because they've been erroneously taught to think this is what women want. Problem with that is femininity attracts masculinity, and vice versa. This is how the universe works. A dapper male is different. While they are attractive, well-dressed and groomed, they still exude a masculine energy. Those are the Bradly Coopers, Henry Cavills, and Jon Hams of the world. "Pretty" is not how I would describe any of them. Dapper, masculine, manly, handsome are words I would use.

[ZephyrMenodora]

There is a difference between being a dapper male, and a self-absorbed male who worries too much about his appearance. The latter is what pretty boys do, and sadly most of them do it thinking it will attract the opposite sex; or rather, a feminine partner because they've been erroneously taught to think this is what women want. Problem with that is femininity attracts masculinity, and vice versa. This is how the universe works. A dapper male is different. While they are attractive, well-dressed and groomed, they still exude a masculine energy. Those are the Bradly Coopers, Henry Cavills, and Jon Hams of the world. "Pretty" is not how I would describe any of them. Dapper, masculine, manly, handsome are words I would use.

I can see that. I just think in my personal experience "dapper" is more something that would be used for older men, and "pretty" (whether making fun of a certain type of guy, or as a compliment) were maybe more younger men.

This also made me chuckle, written by a woman:

How can I be a pretty boy? 7 Simple Tricks That Can Make Any Man Look More Handsome & Attractive, Instantly

Trim Your Beard, Hair & Nails Regularly. ...
Supersize Your Sunglasses. ...
Get Serious About Skin Care. ...
Get Your Shirts & Suits Tailored. ...
Wear A Tie (Even When You Don't Have To) ...
Smell Nice All The Time. ...
Invest In All Things Quality & Classy.

[Gemina]

I can see that. I just think in my personal experience "dapper" is more something that would be used for older men, and "pretty" (whether making fun of a certain type of guy, or as a compliment) were maybe more younger men.

That's fair, and I would agree. However, it's when males are older that they truly do become men. It's not always the case, but for most it really does take quite a bit of time for a male to become distinguished, mature, hardened, and to truly get past the "boy phase". These days, most males don't get there until their 40's so I can see where you are coming from. Pretty boys can and will garner some success with females, but their antics do not command respect so rarely are they taken seriously.

This also made me chuckle, written by a woman:

How can I be a pretty boy? 7 Simple Tricks That Can Make Any Man Look More Handsome & Attractive, Instantly

Trim Your Beard, Hair & Nails Regularly. ...
Supersize Your Sunglasses. ...
Get Serious About Skin Care. ...
Get Your Shirts & Suits Tailored. ...
Wear A Tie (Even When You Don't Have To) ...
Smell Nice All The Time. ...
Invest In All Things Quality & Classy.

That got a chuckle out of me as well. That's the kind of horse**** guys will listen to thinking it works. While some stuff still applies, this has more to do with just keeping yourself kempt. It's still important to be clean and neat, but the men I've always been around didn't need any longer than 15 minutes and an occasional haircut to do this.