toxic masculinity

[tok-sik mas-kyuh-lin-i-tee]

noun

1. a cultural concept of manliness that glorifies stoicism, strength, virility, and dominance, and that is socially maladaptive or harmful to mental health.

   Men and women both suffer when toxic masculinity perpetuates expectations that are restrictive and traumatizing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of toxic masculinity¹

First recorded in 1985–90

When To Use

What does toxic masculinity mean?

"Be a man. Only girls cry." This saying is an example of toxic masculinity, cultural expectations and standards of aggressive male behavior that are harmful not only to women and society but also to men themselves.