What Does It Mean to Be Handsome?

Youth is Beauty

For a man to be considered handsome and fit to be a father in the 6th century BCE in Greece, he had to have youthful features. This youthfulness is depicted in the "kouros," a type of ancient Greek statue of a nude male youth.

During these times, the connection between youth and beauty is important to an individual in a society who follows the "arete" or nobility.

Brains and Brawn: The Ideal Combo

As it turns out, youth isn't the only beauty standard in Greece. Greeks are also known to idealize muscular and intelligent men, depicted in the image of the gods, and the minds of philosophers.

Both strength and intelligence are key attractions for Greeks (muscular physiques representing might, and smaller reproductive organs representing higher intelligence).

The statue of David is the best example of what a handsome guy looks like in their era—a man with noticeable flaws, yet seen as perfect if not looked at hard enough (youthful but matured in certain areas, noticeable fat on the hips, big, almost ape-like hands, and a small reproductive organ).

Power and Wealth

This is where a strong and mighty man no longer cuts it. During the height of the post-Renaissance and the mid-Victorian era, riches and food were considered a luxury.

If you were a muscular man, you would be outshone by the hefty and colorful lords of the land. Both men and women who are on the heavier side and wear colorful clothes are seen as beautiful, handsome, and prosperous.

The Modern Man

While male beauty standards in the past were focused on masculine features, today's society believes that handsome is a balance of brain, beauty, wealth, wellness, and a hint of androgyny and/or femininity.

According to the BBC, in East Asia, the rise of an unorthodox feminine beauty in males has become ideal due to the fame of Korean Pop music. While the typical notion of the Mediterranean "tall, dark, and handsome" is still a demand everywhere else, people are not attracted to hyper-masculinity as much as they were before.

In relation to the rise of feminine beauty in males, the hint of femininity is what makes most women feel comfortable, not intimidated. This is why you might notice women on social media prefer a man with a less masculine face.

How to Compliment a Man

It's important to remember that if you want to compliment a man and tell him he's handsome, you have to be genuine about it; otherwise, you're just faking it.

To compliment a man's beauty, you must first acknowledge their physical features; not necessarily their physique, but the way they're dressed. Try to notice what he's wearing or how he looks.

You can say something like:

• "I like your outfit today—it brings out your charm!"
• "You're looking bigger—been hitting the gym lately?"
• "Your smile looks nice. I like it!"
• "Your vibe's different today—did someone tell you you look good today?"
• "Did you put on some perfume? It really suits you!"