bromosexual: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowInformal, Slang, Humorous
Quick answer
What does “bromosexual” mean?
A heterosexual man who feels strong platonic affection for his male friends, often expressed through emotionally intimate or physically affectionate behavior that might outwardly resemble romantic or sexual interest, but is understood by both parties as non-romantic.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A heterosexual man who feels strong platonic affection for his male friends, often expressed through emotionally intimate or physically affectionate behavior that might outwardly resemble romantic or sexual interest, but is understood by both parties as non-romantic.
A label describing a close, emotionally open, and physically comfortable male friendship that transcends traditional masculine boundaries without a sexual component; sometimes used humorously or ironically to describe such friendships.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in and is predominantly used in American media and culture, linked to 'bromance'. In British English, it is understood but less frequently used; the concept might be described with phrases like 'very close mates' or with the term 'bromance' itself.
Connotations
In both varieties, it is a humorous, non-serious term. In the UK, it might sound like an imported Americanism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in formal or written contexts in both varieties. More likely to be encountered in American pop culture commentary, social media, or comedic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bromosexual” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a bromosexual.They have a bromosexual friendship.He described their relationship as bromosexual.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bromosexual” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Their bromosexual antics at the pub were hilarious.
- He's in a bit of a bromosexual phase with his new flatmate.
American English
- Their bromosexual relationship involves sharing clothes and deep talks.
- It was a totally bromosexual road trip, just the two of them.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except potentially in cultural or gender studies discussing modern male friendship.
Everyday
Used humorously among friends or in informal online/text discussions.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bromosexual”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bromosexual”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bromosexual”
- Using it to describe an actual homosexual man (it describes a *heterosexual* man).
- Using it in a formal context.
- Spelling it as 'bromo-sexual' with a hyphen is less common.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The term specifically describes a heterosexual man who has a very close, emotionally open, and physically affectionate platonic friendship with another man.
It's a portmanteau of 'bro' and 'homosexual', emerging in the early 21st century from American pop culture alongside the related term 'bromance'. It is used humorously.
It is not a formal psychological or sociological term. It is informal slang, used primarily in humorous or ironic conversation and in commentary on modern relationships.
The term is inherently male-specific due to the 'bro' root. Similar close friendships between women are often described with terms like 'best friends', 'soul sisters', or 'platonic life partners'.
A heterosexual man who feels strong platonic affection for his male friends, often expressed through emotionally intimate or physically affectionate behavior that might outwardly resemble romantic or sexual interest, but is understood by both parties as non-romantic.
Bromosexual is usually informal, slang, humorous in register.
Bromosexual: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrəʊ.məˈsek.ʃu.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbroʊ.məˈsek.ʃu.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think BRO (male friend) + MO (more) + SEXUAL (sounds like, but isn't) = a BRO who is MOre physically/emotionally affectionate than usual, but it's not SEXUAL.
Conceptual Metaphor
MALE FRIENDSHIP IS A ROMANCE (PLATONIC). The language and behaviors of romantic relationships (e.g., 'love you, man', hugging, deep sharing) are mapped onto a non-romantic male friendship.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'bromosexual' be MOST appropriately used?