toxic masculinity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1academic, journalistic, social sciences, critical discourse
Quick answer
What does “toxic masculinity” mean?
A set of cultural norms and expectations associated with manhood that are harmful to men, women, and society.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A set of cultural norms and expectations associated with manhood that are harmful to men, women, and society.
A social framework that defines traditional male behavior (e.g., dominance, emotional suppression, aggression, and stoicism) as the only acceptable form of masculinity, resulting in psychological harm, the reinforcement of gender inequality, and the suppression of healthy emotional expression in men.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical in both dialects, as the term originates from academic and activist discourse which is shared internationally. Minor spelling differences (e.g., 'behaviour' vs. 'behavior') may appear in context.
Connotations
The term is politically and socially charged. It is widely accepted and used critically in progressive/ academic circles but can be controversial or rejected in more conservative or traditional discourse as an unfair characterization of traditional male roles.
Frequency
Equally frequent in serious journalism, gender studies, and social commentary in both the UK and US. Possibly slightly more prevalent in US media discourse due to the intensity of cultural debates.
Grammar
How to Use “toxic masculinity” in a Sentence
Toxic masculinity [verb: leads to/causes/results in] social harm.The film [verb: explores/challenges/critiques] toxic masculinity.He felt trapped by [preposition: by] societal expectations of toxic masculinity.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “toxic masculinity” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The documentary sought to toxically masculinise every interaction, which was its central critique.
- Societies can unconsciously toxify masculinity through media and upbringing.
American English
- The fraternity culture seemed to toxic-masculinize its new members.
- He argued that some action movies toxify ideals of manhood.
adverb
British English
- He behaved toxic-masculinely, refusing to show any vulnerability.
- The character was written rather toxic-masculinely.
American English
- The coach acted toxic-masculinely, punishing players for showing pain.
- The dialogue was crafted toxic-masculinely to fit the archetype.
adjective
British English
- He was struggling with toxic-masculinity norms he had internalised.
- The programme examined toxic-masculinity attitudes in football culture.
American English
- The film is a study in toxic-masculinity culture.
- They discussed the toxic-masculinity aspects of the military tradition.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) training materials discussing inclusive workplace culture.
Academic
Very common. Core concept in gender studies, sociology, psychology, and cultural studies.
Everyday
Common in informed discussion about gender relations, mental health, and pop culture critique.
Technical
Used as a defined theoretical concept in social sciences with specific criteria and literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “toxic masculinity”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “toxic masculinity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “toxic masculinity”
- Using it as a synonym for 'men are bad' or as a personal insult. It's a systemic critique.
- Confusing it with general male aggression or toxicity in individuals, which is a symptom, not the system itself.
- Capitalizing it as a proper noun (it's not typically capitalized).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The term specifically refers to a narrow, culturally defined set of masculine norms that are harmful. It distinguishes these from healthy, positive, or diverse forms of masculinity.
Not exclusively. While it often underpins misogyny and violence against women, it also critically examines the harm these norms do to men themselves, such as stifling emotional expression, discouraging help-seeking, and fostering isolation.
Women can enforce toxic masculine norms (e.g., telling a boy 'man up' or valuing only 'tough' men). The term describes a set of norms, not a gender. However, it is most often discussed in the context of male socialization and behavior.
The phrase gained widespread popular usage in the 2010s, but its conceptual roots are in late 20th-century academic men's studies and gender theory, building on earlier critiques of patriarchy and hegemonic masculinity.
A set of cultural norms and expectations associated with manhood that are harmful to men, women, and society.
Toxic masculinity is usually academic, journalistic, social sciences, critical discourse in register.
Toxic masculinity: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɒk.sɪk mæs.kjʊˈlɪn.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɑːk.sɪk ˌmæs.kjəˈlɪn.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Man up" (often cited as an expression of toxic masculinity)”
- “"Boys don't cry" (a classic tenet of toxic masculinity)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TOXIC Masculinity: Traits Oppressing eXpression, Inciting Conflict. It's about harmful societal rules, not men themselves.
Conceptual Metaphor
MASculinity AS A POISON / A STRAITJACKET / A RIGID CODE. The norms are conceptualized as a toxic substance that poisons relationships and the self, or as a constricting garment that limits movement and growth.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary focus of the term 'toxic masculinity'?