A term coined in the mid-90's by British journalist Mark Simpson. He defined it as applying to men regardless of sexual orientation, but he first applied it to David Beckham, apparently as an alternative to “heterosexual”, with which it obviously rhymes. Mark Simpson’s definition starts: “The typical metrosexual is a young man with money to spend, living in or within easy reach of a metropolis . . .” In current use, it almost always applies to straight guys; but with the inference that their fascination with fashion and appearance matches stereotyped assumptions about gays. Thus, it's something of a third alternative to the hetero-/homosexual dichotomy: an urban straight guy with stereotypical “gay” interests. At first it was a neutral descriptive, and was jumped on by marketing types eager to start selling more overpriced clothes and skin/hair products to notoriously shopping-shy males. But as it evolved in mainstream use, the term gradually picked up a pejorative connotation, much as its close cousin, “yuppie”, did in prior decades; not because of its sexual implications, but rather because of its “snotty, rich young show-off trying too hard” image, and the vague sour-grapes suspicion that such guys get to sleep with hotter and classier women. Although the term has become pejorative, it hasn't stopped the practice. There are still plenty of metrosexuals (and yuppies); they just wouldn't want to be called that.
It has spawned a counter-term: “retrosexual”, presumably a guy whose preferred evening wear is jeans or Dockers, an untucked Bengal-striped dress shirt, white gym socks and Kenneth Cole loafers. There's also a synonym: uber-sexual, which is basically a celebrity willing to flaunt his metrosexuality (e.g., Beckham). The latter word hasn't really caught on.
It has spawned a counter-term: “retrosexual”, presumably a guy whose preferred evening wear is jeans or Dockers, an untucked Bengal-striped dress shirt, white gym socks and Kenneth Cole loafers. There's also a synonym: uber-sexual, which is basically a celebrity willing to flaunt his metrosexuality (e.g., Beckham). The latter word hasn't really caught on.
OK, I may have enough metrosexual in me to drop 400 bucks for a pair of Ferragamos, but I'm damned if I'll start highlighting my hair. That's a line in the metrosexual sand I'm not crossing.
by JerseyJohn April 20, 2006
by J-Tsunami December 16, 2018
Modern men new lifestyle. They take care of their outside appearance and looks, most of the time wearing suits and trendy clothes, and they are proud of it...gay or not !
Markus : "Hey! Have you seen this stud with all the make-up on wearing D&G clothes and a Gucci watch? He is so metrosexuals!"
Dan : "Yes, he's D. Beckam the former Manchester United soccer player"
Dan : "Yes, he's D. Beckam the former Manchester United soccer player"
by Rendan2 September 6, 2005
A male individual that usually has more feminine qualities, is concerned what they look and dress like, and usually obsessed with gaining weight. Metrosexuals can usually be found at a restaurant eating only organic food choices and salads. Meat is a rare choice on a menu for a metrosexual rather prefer wild salmon. A metrosexual would be found going on shopping runs during their 30 minute office lunch instead of hanging out with the men discussing sports. They call themselved the ADONIS because they are not quite sure of what they really want...He might be gay, straight or bisexual, but this is utterly immaterial because he has clearly taken himself as his own love object and pleasure as his sexual preference
the metrosexual in a casual office atmosphere that dresses up in a suit wearing a pin on his lapel, while others are dressed in jeans 5 days a week. This individual in concerned about his butt looking too big in a pair of pants and always worried what his girfriends will think....
by figs99 November 19, 2013
A straight man who embraces the homosexual lifestyle, i.e. refined tastes in clothing, excessive use of designer hygiene products, etc. Usually is on the brink of homosexuality.
Mike has become a metrosexual after shaving off his stubble and using expensive skin products to soften his cherubic facial features.
by Anonymous February 15, 2004
A man (havn't heard this one used on women) who has a good taste, who often takes good care of themselves and their belongings. They are self-assured in themselves enough to express their feelings with out fear of feeling like they are homosexual in the process. They are often mistaken for homosexuals in denial.
"He was so well dressed and good looking I was afraid he might have been gay until we had a chat and I ended up taking him home with me that night."
by Logan January 25, 2005
by anon January 2, 2005