guyliner: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, slang, journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “guyliner” mean?
Eyeliner intentionally worn by a man or male-presenting person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Eyeliner intentionally worn by a man or male-presenting person.
A term referring to men's use of eyeliner as a fashion or cosmetic choice, often in rock, punk, goth, or glam subcultures, and increasingly in mainstream fashion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated and is predominantly used in US media and pop culture, but is fully understood in the UK. The concept of men wearing eyeliner is not regionally specific.
Connotations
In both regions, the term carries connotations of androgyny, alternative music scenes (emo, glam rock, goth), or fashion-forwardness. In more conservative contexts, it can attract negative stereotypes.
Frequency
More frequently encountered in American lifestyle magazines, entertainment news, and online fashion discourse. In the UK, references might be less likely to use the slang term 'guyliner' and more likely to simply describe 'men wearing eyeliner'.
Grammar
How to Use “guyliner” in a Sentence
SUBJECT + wear + guylinerSUBJECT + be + known for + guylinerThe + guyliner + lookVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “guyliner” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He started guylining for his band's performances.
- They were guylining heavily in the 80s glam scene.
American English
- He's been guylining since his emo phase.
- The actor guylined for his role as a rock star.
adjective
British English
- It was a classic guyliner look, sharp and black.
- The guyliner trend seems to be making a comeback.
American English
- His guyliner style is more subtle than Pete Wentz's.
- The guyliner aesthetic defined that era of pop-punk.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Potentially used in cultural studies, gender studies, or fashion theory papers discussing masculinity and cosmetics.
Everyday
Used in casual conversation about fashion, celebrities, or personal style.
Technical
Not used in professional cosmetic or beauty industry terminology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guyliner”
- Using it as a countable noun for the physical product (e.g., 'I bought a new guyliner'). It refers to the *style* or *practice*.
- Using it in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Guyliner' is not a specific product sold in stores. It is a slang term for the act or style of a man wearing regular eyeliner.
Yes, informally. For example, 'He guylines every day' means he applies eyeliner daily.
Historically linked to rock, punk, and goth scenes, its use has broadened. It's now seen in mainstream fashion, K-pop, and by male celebrities, though it often retains an 'alternative' connotation.
It can be seen as reductive or reinforcing a gender binary (implying eyeliner needs a special name when worn by men). Some prefer terms like 'eyeliner' regardless of the wearer's gender. Context and intent are key.
Eyeliner intentionally worn by a man or male-presenting person.
Guyliner is usually informal, slang, journalistic. in register.
Guyliner: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡaɪlaɪnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡaɪˌlaɪnər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GUY' + eye'LINER' = guyliner. A guy lining his eyes.
Conceptual Metaphor
COSMETICS ARE A TOOL FOR GENDER PERFORMANCE / DEFIANCE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'guyliner'?