Is pretty boy a compliment or an insult?

[curiousnorway]

I'm curious on if you thinks it's a compliment or an insult, and on why! : )

#PrettyBoy #Compliment #Insult

Compliment (Explain WHY)

Insult (Explain WHY)

Depends (Explain what & why)

Updates

+1 y

Here's my opinion: For me pretty boy is an insult. It don't need to have anything to do with femininity, immature or looking like a kid to do. My definition on it is that when a guy are good looking, but apart from that is useless. The only thing he has is looks. Without it he's nothing and don't do anything good. Example: Such a pretty boy! He can't do anything apart from oppressing people and being a mean asshole. Example: These gangstas are a bunch of pretty boys!

Updates

+1 y

cf.girlsaskguys.com/.../...9-8d6d-712c3d4c93a1.jpg

[Miyumi]

Depends on the way it's said and by who. When I say: he's such a pretty boy, I actually say it with an undertone. Like: ugh he's such a pretty boy.. so not my type. But another girl could say it and actually mean it as a compliment.

I usually say: he's so cute, when I actually mean it as a compliment. While most males would find that offense.. so it really depends on how it's been said and how someone's non-verbal body language is when they say it.

Everyone is different... hence why stuff like this is so complicated.

[estoydorado1]

It's typically used as an insult. It's used to insinuate that if a guy is too attractive, he's not masculine or capable. Notice the term is pretty "boy". I'm pretty sure grown men don't appreciate being called boys because of the features they were born with.

Calling a guy handsome or hot are compliments, pretty boy is usually meant to undermine masculinity.

[Caaarl]

Personally I don't really care about being called a boy. Because many people use it as a interchangable term with the male sex. I call women girls as well as I see them use it as well.

I agree with you though depending on the context it can be offensive. Pretty boy is usually used as a put down. They have certain stereotypes surrounding them and they're not positive. Like being narcissistic. I'm surprised how many people think it's not used as a put-down.

[estoydorado1]

@Caaarl You're right about the" boy" part not really being offensive. I didn't think about how I get called a girl all the time and it makes no difference to me lol.
Context is the deciding factor

[xZoeyx]

Depends what the intention of the person was. If they knew you'd take it as an insult and they were mad at you for something, then insult. If not, I'd say compliment

[Hal2002]

Being called a pretty boy, is not a compliment. Called someone a pretty boy, is to infer that they are a playboy, player boy toy. Someone that is, not to be taken seriously as long term relationship prospect.
Most men will describe another male as pretty boy, to mean a guy that is good looking but useless when it comes to doing masculine things. Such as physical labor, something the involves getting dirty. Because they don't want to get dirt on themselves, mess up their cloths manicured nails and hair.

[IsenhowerJ]

It depends on the context of how the phrase is used.
It can be a pet name given to a guy by a girl and in return, it can be a compliment that is understood by the two or their inner circle.
It can also be an insult, by making a guy feel less masculine.

[liamgall95]

It depends in what context... if they said "oh you're a pretty boy" that usually means that they are attractive, but then in some situations it can be bad like "you wouldn't be able to do this dirty job, pretty boy, leave this to the real men"

[Leryton98]

Being called “pretty boy” could be a compliment inside of an insult, or it could simply be a compliment.

The first scenario that I mentioned would occur most frequently when a guy calls another guy “pretty boy.” This is often said in order to categorize a guy as a very attractive person who’s masculinity may or may not be as prevalent as the typical male’s. A guy who is called “pretty boy” in this scenario is also insulted in the sense that it insinuates that those around him do not view him as a very macho and/or “capable” man, and that he is the type of guy who would only exist in a 2000’s boy band or a be the love interest in a Disney princess movie.

Being called “pretty boy” by a girl might very well be a compliment if it is not meant in the sense that I described previously. For instance, “pretty boy” can be used to describe a guy who has charming, yet feminine facial features and gentle mannerisms.

[PinkMichae]

I think of pretty boys as just very good looking so I'd say it's a compliment. However it doesn't mean they are my type as I'm more into handsome and rugged.

[PrincessPie]

It literally could be either, depending on how the person takes it, and what the person means by saying it lol.
I've heard it both used as a insult, and also used as a compliment.

[CubsterShura]

Compliment! It's a feminine word so I don't use it for older men but maybe with cute boys or kids I can use that word easily. And I use it to compliment my guy friends too.

[Cursewords]

It's an insult in my opinion and always has been. If you don't want to be insulting call a man 'handsome' but the term 'pretty boy' is quite literally an insult.

[PoliceLivesMatter]

It’s definitely a compliment but I would rather be called “sexy shredded manly warrior” rather than “pretty boy” if I had the option 😂

[samhradh_leannan]

I think it depends somewhat on how it's being said, and on how the individual person feels about it.

[Analinda1999]

my boyfriend is beautiful. i tell him all the time. he loves it. he blushes.

:)

[zagor]

It generally means you have a nice face, but it can also be a kind of insult in that it may imply that is all you have going for you.

[PellakaWurm]

depends on the context. same with all words really anything can be an insult and everything can be a complement depending on the context.

[Heclingybad]

I use it as an insult. some guys think it’s a compliment, 😂

[CaptainSmartass]

It would depend on who's saying it, why they're saying it, how they're saying it, what the context is and how the recipient takes it.

Simples...

[GayHowellMeme]

Pretty boys is usually when he has a feminine face but also date able

[HamAndCheese]

It's someone who looks good but is generally faggy and weak.

[chicostickmaster]

An insult because a pretty boy is superficial and shallow and cares most about their appearance

[hasrett]

For me mostly insult.

[curiousnorway]

Why?

[hasrett]

I don't know, but sounds kind of degrading, like he's dumb or something.

[JimRSmith]

I tend to use it disparagingly, tbh.

[nickyBBB]

Wait what since when was it an insult

[VirginiaBeachBum]

Depends on context and intent.