# Ladies: Manly men, or metrosexual? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 13, 2004, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929 "2004-10-13T01:51:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/61 "2004-10-14T01:11:46Z")
> [@CrazyCatLady](#): > > Hmm, if I had to choose between the extremes listed in the OP, I think I’d have to go find myself a nice lesbian. She could fix my car and help me build shelves, but her flannel shirts would always be clean and she wouldn’t make me feel like a big slob for not being all frou-frou. The sex would be an issue, but I guess I could get used to girly parts easier than b.o. or prissiness. Well that’s all fine and good if you get yourself a dyke, but what if you’re stuck with a ‘lipstick’ lesbian? That’s like a metrosexual, but without that handy penis! ---
**Author:** ![Salem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8c91f0/32.png) [@Salem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salem)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/62 "2004-10-14T01:35:20Z")
I definitely lean towards the manly man side. It’s safer to get a “metrosexual” fix from your friends than to fill the role of hot, hunky, burly armed, lusty sex outside of your relationship. Truth be told, I’m not into all of the primping sort of activities, but have missed the finer intellectual traits that can be lacking in the manly man. Never have found one that can play both roles. ---
**Author:** ![levdrakon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/63 "2004-10-14T01:45:45Z")
> [@Salem](#): > > Truth be told, I’m not into all of the primping sort of activities, but have missed the finer intellectual traits that can be lacking in the manly man. Never have found one that can play both roles. I believe many people in this thread are mistakingly referring to that man as “geek.” ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Cymbeline](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_cymbeline/32/9244_2.png) [@Green\_Cymbeline](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Cymbeline)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/64 "2004-10-14T04:03:10Z")
I’d take a A MANLY MAN, definetly, over a metrosexual (puke) any day! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![CrazyCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CrazyCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyCatLady)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/65 "2004-10-14T07:15:29Z")
> [@bouv](#): > > Well that’s all fine and good if you get yourself a dyke, but what if you’re stuck with a ‘lipstick’ lesbian? That’s like a metrosexual, but without that handy penis! Hey, if we’re going extremist stereotypes, _all_ the lesbians are dykes. But if we’re choosing between manly man, metrosexual, butch, and femme, I gotta go with the butch. ---
**Author:** ![CanvasShoes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/74df32/32.png) [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/66 "2004-10-14T07:39:32Z")
> [@testride](#): > > Wait a minute. Why is a “manly” man dirty and stupid? What kind of definition is that? Even in movie fantasies, what kind of hero can be described like that? John Wayne? Kirk Douglas? Sean Connery? Russell Crowe? What makes you think a working man doesn’t wash, read or think? I agree, I don’t like the stereotyping here. ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/67 "2004-10-14T08:19:19Z")
Well guys…what’ll it be? A squeaky clean prudish bitch that only fucks once in a blue moon (and would rather not) or a skanky ass slut that smells like rotten fish who fucks everything in her sight. C’mon now it’s just for fun. Yeah but it’s insulting to the guys who work hard for a living and do sweat and get dirty. I’ve done it for years. Me with a damned Master’s degree and once a teacher. I was raised on a farm/ranch and worked hard all of my life. The past few years I’ve been in construction because it paid better than teaching. I came home everyday and the first thing I did was to take a shower and change clothes then I’d hug/kiss my wife and children. I used to hunt and fish everyday…not only watched sports but was active in sports. I can fix a car or build a fence and once broke horses for a living. We can go out for dinner, me in a suit and tie or I’ll cook something for you. I did for my wife and kids every evening when I got home. You wanna talk about the garden, our future or philosophy… that’s fine too. I swept my wife off her feet and I’m what most folks would call very manly. I’m sometimes wrong but will admit to it and say I’m sorry. I will bring you flowers just because I was thinking about you. AND I will kick any SOB’s ass that tries to hurt you. If there’s anything you want or need all you have to do is let me know. You don’t even have to ask, just let me know. Hairy? I’ve got a beard and moustache…but I’m not some kind of Neanderthal. Do I stink? Sometimes but usually not for very long. I have been known to come home at lunch to get a shower. If I’m lucky my woman will be home for a little rough and tumble. 🙂 Prudish or skanky? If that’s all I have to choose from? Then it’d be NEITHER. I’d rather have a real woman. Not some stereotype. Okay, y’all can go back to your poll. ---
**Author:** ![Telperien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Telperien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperien)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 8:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/68 "2004-10-14T08:33:56Z")
I thought the whole point of the poll was that it was purely hypothetical, since one could probably search the world and not find anyone who conformed exactly to the stereotypes, _since they’re stereotypes_. Perhaps I was wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Mockingbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c68b51/32.png) [@Mockingbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mockingbird)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/69 "2004-10-14T08:50:21Z")
> [@DougC](#): > > - > - > - One man’s opinions: _most_ women are amazingly enthusiastic about being chummy with “metrosexual” guys, {which are really “faggy” or “prissy” guys}–but as I have seen it–most women are _far_ more likely to actually get involved with a manly-man. > …Well okay, I’ll bite(!): some “faggy” clues on a guy would be- > > 1. hair gel, hair spray or any other “fashion” treatment (perms, coloring, bleaching) > 2. friendship/string bracelets/most other decorative jewelry > 3. _earrings_ > > - These are things which used to be basically _totally_ the province of women, yet in some circles have become acceptable for men. > > * * * > > - On the flipside, _tattoos are moving the other direction_–they started out almost-totally a male preoccupation but by some US studies significantly more young women now are getting tattoos than men. > ~ Gee. I have five tattooes, my ears pieced, and a tongue piercing… Oh… and I doubt that I’d ever be mistaken for a metrosexual… I own and know how to use powertools and can strip a computer in minutes. Just as the stereotypes of gay men are quite narrow, I don’t think metrosexuals are as effete as they’re being portrayed in this thread. ---
**Author:** ![Rune](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e68b1a/32.png) [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 8:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/70 "2004-10-14T08:57:25Z")
> [@t-keela](#): > > Well guys…what’ll it be? A squeaky clean prudish bitch that only fucks once in a blue moon (and would rather not) or a skanky ass slut that smells like rotten fish who fucks everything in her sight. Well that one’s easy. The madonna for wife, the whore for lover. umm… :eek: ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/71 "2004-10-14T09:05:21Z")
**Harimad-sol** It doesn’t make it less insulting though. You know how insulting it is to even imply that… all black people are (fill in the blank) or how about all Arabs are…what? Hmm, how about all gays are… I have tried all of my life to fight the ignorance that “innocent” stereoptypes encourage, despite being raised amongst them. There was a thread awhile back saying the French were basically, a bunch of cowards. It was said in jest but had bad timing. Perhaps it would be better to let these things go by unchallenged. I’m not going to go on a rant regarding the OP. I know it is a hypothetical example. It is also IMHO. I just wanted to say my peace, lest anyone truly ignorant should read this thread and believe the stereotype. There are a lot of people who lurk on these boards. I have actually known some guys that come close to this description. I don’t recall any women being present however. 😃 Okay, **Harimad-sol** don’t sweat it…real manly men don’t read, correct? **Rune** I think that’s kinda what the ladies are saying regarding the OP. Some even would rather be alone than deal with the choices given. I think a good woman could actually clean the Neanderthal up and maybe teach him some manners. The other guy will never grow any balls however. Sorry folks but that’s just the way I see it. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 9:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/72 "2004-10-14T09:10:01Z")
**Mockingbird** Why you old pirate…tats and rings? You don’t ever wear a scarf or boots do ya? ---
**Author:** ![Mockingbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c68b51/32.png) [@Mockingbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mockingbird)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/73 "2004-10-14T09:12:12Z")
> [@t-keela](#): > > **Mockingbird** Why you old pirate…tats and rings? You don’t ever wear a scarf or boots do ya? I wear nothing at all, which my guy seems to like. Go fig. ---
**Author:** ![Telperien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Telperien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperien)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/74 "2004-10-14T09:14:17Z")
No problem, **t-keela**. I agree with you. Cleaning up the Neanderthal guy is not such a bad idea, though it may be a major project. Where’s that scrub brush? ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 9:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/75 "2004-10-14T09:46:22Z")
> [@Mockingbird](#): > > I wear nothing at all, which my guy seems to like. Go fig. I’ve got some leather chaps and vest I’ll loan ya just for something different. I’ll keep the spurs and whip though. 😉 **Harimad-sol** scrub brush? How 'bout an automatic car wash for starts. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![calm\_kiwi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9fc348/32.png) [@calm\_kiwi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/calm_kiwi)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/76 "2004-10-14T09:54:04Z")
I married a manly-man stinky (hairy) bloke. If left to himself he would have showered once a week. He was Scottish and claimed it was traditional :D. Never underestimate how easy it is to bribe the manly-man. He showered at least 5 days a week. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Telperien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Telperien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperien)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/77 "2004-10-14T09:56:50Z")
Ah, but the hand-held scrub brush is ever so much more personal! Car wash idea duly noted, however. ---
**Author:** ![Rune](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e68b1a/32.png) [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 9:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/78 "2004-10-14T09:58:37Z")
> [@t-keela](#): > > I think a good woman could actually clean the Neanderthal up and maybe teach him some manners. The other guy will never grow any balls however. Sorry folks but that’s just the way I see it. 😉 Oh boy. Give me a dime for all the times I’ve heard of a woman who married a good looking guy with a highly undesirable character because she figured she could change him – and failed miserable, and I’ll buy me a yacht and cruise the Mediterranean for a few years. ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 10:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/79 "2004-10-14T10:05:17Z")
> [@calm kiwi](#): > > I married a manly-man stinky (hairy) bloke. If left to himself he would have showered once a week. He was Scottish and claimed it was traditional :D. > > Never underestimate how easy it is to bribe the manly-man. He showered at least 5 days a week. 😃 **Rune** see kiwi’s post…she knows what I’m talkin aboot. 😉 We’re not changin’ the man. Just cleanin him up. There was a movie once upon a time wit James Stewart and Bryan Keith…this thread kinda reminds me of that movie. ---
**Author:** ![Mockingbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c68b51/32.png) [@Mockingbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mockingbird)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2004, 10:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929/80 "2004-10-14T10:11:07Z")
> [@t-keela](#): > > I’ve got some leather chaps and vest I’ll loan ya just for something different. I’ll keep the spurs and whip though. 😉 > > **Harimad-sol** scrub brush? How 'bout an automatic car wash for starts. 😃 I don’t do spurs and my riding crop is more than satisfactory, but thanks for the offer. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-manly-men-or-metrosexual/268929.md?page=5)