Masculinity refers to qualities, personality traits and characteristics that a man must possess. It can be used to describe any human, animal or object possessing the traits and qualities of a man. When it is used to describe a male, the word masculine uses degrees of comparison. The basic characteristics which make a person masculine include physical strength, courage, and wisdom, honourable and righteous behaviour. Antonym of masculine may be unmanly or epicene. Masculine males have great physiques and are tall and muscular. The state or quality of being masculine is called masculinity. Masculine males show great levels of physical prowess and masochism.
In the other words of Norman Mailer, “Masculinity is not something given to you, but something you gain. And you gain it by winning small battles with honour. Because there is very little honour left in American life, there is a certain built-in tendency to destroy masculinity in American men.”
