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

Example Sentences

Twenty-seven years after Justin Fashanu - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - took his own life in 1998, Cavallo has spoken about the "toxic masculinity" that still exists in men's football.

Read more on BBC

"I can only keep pushing for what I think is right, and work towards taking out the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and creating a safe space."

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But it is the collective cool, rage, outrage, toxic masculinity, hatefulness and terrible, terrible sorrow of the large splendid that makes the production matter.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Exploring themes of toxic masculinity and the psychological pressures faced by teenage boys, there's been a greater discussion around how boys are supported emotionally and academically.

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Do you think this is one of the seeds of toxic masculinity?

Read more on Salon

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.