Back by popular demand is our series of posts here at Jessica Who?, titled “Word of the Week”. In these short articles, from here on out published each Friday, I will explore the various labels and umbrella terms used to label us. By doing this, I hope to educate not only myself, but also anyone who may not be familiar with these terms. Feel free to add your own knowledge to each post by leaving a comment 
.
This week, we will be examining the label: metrosexual.
Standard Definition
While I’m not surprised that this word has been added to the Mirriam Webster Dictionary, I was shocked to learn that it had been there since 1994!
They define metrosexual as an etymology of metropolitan and sexual.
a usually urban heterosexual male given to enhancing his personal appearance by fastidious grooming, beauty treatments, and fashionable clothes
Derogatory?
I would say yes and no, as it’s usually not used to explicity hurt someone deeply. Whenever I hear someone call another person metrosexual, it’s kind of like teasing rather than insulting.
However, sometimes men take it as a compliment, so it can go either way.
What’s It Really Mean?
Well, you can be called a metrosexual for grooming your eyebrows, wearing nice clothes and styling your hair. Basically, a metrosexual is someone who cares for themselves more than a stereotypical American male.
In some circles, you could be accused of being a metrosexual for using anything more than a bar of soap to wash your body, face and hair.
My Take
I don’t like this word, because:
A) It implies that this is somehow sexual in nature (grooming yourself)
B) There’s nothing wrong with moisturizing your face and cleaning up your eyebrows while keeping a trendy wardrobe
I’ve been called metro by people and while I usually laugh it off, I can’t stand it. My feelings on this subject are best expressed in this post.
Another thing that bugs me about this term is that society always has to slap a label on you if you do anything that is not “normal” for your group. Though I suppose some crossdressers would prefer to be named metrosexuals in order to keep their secret.
Your Take
Have you anything to add? Please leave your take on this word in the comments section, I hope we can open up a dialogue and learn from each other while educating the masses.
JessicaWhoHD
Facebook
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I think the negative connotation comes from other males who chide “metro” males because they themselves are afraid that they may enjoy really taking care of themselves by properly cleaning their face, keeping their hair looking nice and cleaning up the ape like facial and boy hair that plagues so many of our brothers. I feel they are afraid of showing a more fem side to their personalites, even though, they secretly may wish to do so. They are just afraid of looking metro because they associate the look with homosexuals, or guys who are a bit confused about their sexuality.
Or, maybe not – - what do I know about it, anyway. I’m 61 with a shaved bald head, a mustache and a goatee. The facial hair is my albatross because my wife, who demands I retain it, knows I can’t dress up and go out in public dressed as Kathy. Smart lady I suppose. I do keep my brows trimmed and the chest and leg hair clipped short for a cleaner look.
I think that this is part of it. Men who are afraid of expressing any femininity are threatened by men who do and therefore choose to tease them about it. Not all men are like this, but there are some who feel like our society is become too feminized, fearing that femininity equals homosexuality, both of which they look down on.
I think it depends on how the term is said. There’s the knowing in-joke : “That’s sooo metro!” to hearing it as you’ve stated.
Personally I don’t have an issue with it. Part of me wonders if being metro is just good cover for us trans folk. I mean, how long have we been using moisturiser and looking after our image?
On the vanity! 
Do we need a new range of products? Probably not, but that’s how the big companies shift stock isn’t it. Just rebadge and remarket and you’ve got a new revenue stream on hand.
Perhaps some use the term metro to hide their inner feelings. It certainly can be a good excuse as to why your eyebrows are fine and you’re wearing skinny jeans
Jessica,
Just discovered your web site and you are amazing! I’ll explain that later. I have a question totally off the subject. My wife and I are new to Seattle and looking for the best & safest place to go out. I have had few out experiences and would like to be comfortable. Will you help me?
Love!
Warriorslass
Thanks, Nicole. I will contact you via email
While I do think there is nothing wrong with taking care of your self and keeping things clean and tidy so to speak. There are always going to be people in every category of life who take a good thing too far.
In this case I guess it may be the guy who is always looking at himself in the mirror. Spends more than he makes or the couple makes on clothing or grooming. Won’t allow himself to do something fun because of what it may do to his hair or clothes. Always flexing in front of mirror, and so on and so on. And yes those things could be OCD or douchebaggery among other things it could of just started out as a simple metro moment gone awry.
And also if a person feels comfortable presenting that way and its not hurting anyone that’s fine. But if a person just wants to be more “natural” too as long as they are clean they shouldn’t be condemned for that either.
Great comment, Luke. There are people out there who do take it too far and make others uncomfortable. They stare at themselves in the mirror at every chance, constantly talk about how good they look and put others down who don’t look as good as them.
Well I do certain things such as exercise that keeps my body trim and keeps my belly flat. That way I look good in a dress or close fitting top. I also look ten years younger than anyone my age.If this is a part of Metrosexual Im all for it. One has to exercise to look their best and this does wonders for the mental as well as the physical self. I tend to be the only male bodied person in most of my Pilate and Yoga classes but I relate to women better anyway so that is just another added bonus.
This is true, although some admitted metrosexuals pump iron constantly to achieve the buff magazine look.