"A real man" is a compliment or an insult? The meaning and peculiarities of the use of the word "man"

Often we use cliched phrases without thinking about the consequences. What one person will perceive with humor and find a compliment, the other with a grudge will remember and adopt. Where does the border between tactful conversation and outspoken audacity go? It all depends on the interlocutors and the proximity of the relationship between them. Is the modern man's definition of "man" appropriate? Is this acceptable or not? Let's try to understand this question.

The meaning of the word "muzhik"

What is a "man" in the current sense? Most people believe that this word is slang. It has a bright emotional coloring: the men gather in the garage for thematic gatherings, drink beer in liters for viewing the next match, work at metallurgical plants and do not shave their beards for months. But no one thinks of a business man in a suit at dinner at a restaurant as a man-only a man.

This distinction of usage is primarily due to its origin. Let's start with the times of the agrarian society. A man is a synonym for the word "peasant". That is, it is a simple, hardworking person who works from dusk to dawn and is not too developed culturally, unlike a city dweller. You can find a similar definition in other dictionaries:

1. In the dictionary of jargonism - a convicted person who honestly works in correctional labor.
2. In the dictionary of the respected VI Dal, a man of the lower class.
3. In the spelling dictionary, the prefix -ik- defines a diminutive value, which gives the lexical unit a tinge of insignificance, neglect.
4. In the dictionary of synonyms - ignorant.
5. And already in a modern, well-defined dictionary, edited by T. F. Efremova, this word is used in this sense "ignorant, ill-bred man, commoner".

From the dictionary meaning of this word it follows that it still has a more negative connotation, rather than a positive one. But there is no definitive condemnation of this concept by society, so now it is widely used in more emotional, hyperbolized speech.

Speech characteristics

Using the "real man" turnover, one must remember its original meaning. The thoughtless use of such contentious speech turns can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings between the interlocutors. Now in free access on the web there are many explanatory dictionaries. It's never too late to work on your literacy and look for an unfamiliar word or phrase that you doubt in the reference literature. This is one of the main principles of self-education - independence and proper motivation.

So, in the cultural speech of expressive expressions, which can be perceived in two ways, try to avoid. But for everyday communication, where no one is against such treatment and is even proud of his "rank", it will be quite appropriate and harmonious.

In what situation is a man called a man

"Man" - this is definitely not an insulting word. In fiction, periodicals and on television, you can hear this word in a positive context. Decisiveness, strength, analytical mind are properties that are associated with the peasant. Any representative of the stronger sex is proud of its primeval qualities, with which they are more than endowed with nature.

As a rule, peasants are called strong, confident, industrious guys who are able to answer for their actions. In their environment it is customary to communicate without snot with sugar, but clearly and on business. A symbol of the animal masculine is embedded in the meaning of this word. And to use it is not shameful.

Is it insulting or pleasant?

There are situations where the word "man" can be misunderstood. For example, turning in this way to the passer-by, you can deservedly receive a slap. As a person on the street will perceive this as a violation of the boundaries in communication. Also there are guys who will be insulting to hear such treatment - and this is also normal. In a word, you can hurt more than by deed. This is a powerful tool for interacting with people, so you should always think before you speak.

"Man" - this seems to be such a habitual treatment, but has a complex etymology. To express the praise of the addressee with such a word, you will need to use additional tools: intonation, facial expressions, gestures and context should be appropriate. There is a fine line between insulting a man with this word, and, conversely, expressing his respect.

A real man is the dream of any woman

The most popular and frequent use of this word is the phrase "real man". On the real guys dream and naive freshmen, and lonely ladies, and desperate housewives, dissatisfied with the way of their own way of life. All around give advice to men, what exactly should it be to become "real."

1. A real man is strong and independent. He can not afford a momentary weakness. He is responsible for his decisions and actions. Perhaps, this characterizes the adult personality.
2. A real man clearly sees the boundary between the main and the secondary. He does not waste his time on stupidity, but is engaged in achieving the desired - power, prosperity and family.
3. Real men do not gossip. They do not discuss or condemn other people, since this energy can be directed to some useful occupation.
4. A real man keeps his word. Promises to him - not an empty phrase.
5. And, after all, a real man does not look feminine. Long hair, piercing, glamorous clothing - all this is excluded in the male image.

Only all these recommendations are not the key to happiness. You can be an exemplary man in all senses, but you still can not please someone and will remain on the ruins of your own ideality. So whether these tips are right, every man will decide for himself.

Patterns in relationships

"You are a man, you must ..." - Then follows a tirade about the male "oweship". In a similar situation between a man and a woman, this pattern is dangerous and destructive. What does the word "man" in this sense mean? That a man owes everything to everyone, but he himself has no right to feelings, desires and emotions?

Hanging the label "man" on his beloved person, a woman drives him to a standstill with his expectations. The fear of not meeting someone's hopes is the right way to a quick ending. That this does not happen, just something that partners need, so that everyone makes his contribution to the relationship, the contribution that he himself deems necessary. You can not make a person love. And if you love - you will do something pleasant for the sake of your loved one, without writing it down to his virtual debt. "A man does not owe anything to anyone" - that's the setting for a healthy relationship.

And who are you - a man or a man?

We suggest to define to each reader the male, how he relates to this treatment. If it corresponds to his world view, that's fine. The people around should know that this phrase emphasizes your status in society. If you are absolutely against it, that they call you a peasant, then also warn your relatives and friends to avoid an unpleasant situation. So no one will have doubts about what this word means to you - a compliment or an insult.