Girls, When women say they like masculine men, what do they mean exactly?

[Optymistyk]

The definition of masculinity is very broad and vary from culture to culture. Masculine characteristics include: assertiveness, aggression, ambition, competetiveness, courage, risk-taking, charismatic leadership, toughness, emotional detachment, logical focus, protectiveness, decisiveness, self-reliance, resilience etc. etc. I don't think there's a man out there that has all these characteristics; for example some men are more competitive and aggressive, while others are more protective and make better leaders

So when women say that they like masculine guys, do they have anything in particular in mind? Or do they mean "having a masculine appearance" as in: wide shoulders, square jaw, muscular body?

[SeriouslyFunny00]

I think masculinity is not always about the looks.. It can be his personality. If we feel safe, if we feel that we can trust him, lean on him, look up to him.

[devilish-cutie]

they could mean looks, as well as being initiative, direct, practical... those qualities that are masculine but doesn't mean he has to have them all