Yes, a boy can absolutely be called handsome.
The term "handsome" is commonly used to describe men and boys who are attractive. While the word might have some historical roots related to "handiness" or skill, its modern usage overwhelmingly pertains to physical attractiveness.
Understanding the Adjective "Handsome"
The English language does not have grammatical gender; it means that nouns aren't classified as masculine or feminine as in other languages. Therefore, adjectives like "handsome" are not inherently restricted to a specific gender.
Key points to consider:
- Universal Adjective: "Handsome" is used to describe good-looking men and boys in English.
- No Grammatical Gender: English does not classify nouns by gender. According to the reference, English does not have grammatical gender.
- Modern Usage: Its primary modern usage is to convey attractiveness, especially for males.
Examples:
- "The young boy was very handsome."
- "He grew up to be a handsome man."
Common Usage and Examples
The word "handsome" is a widely understood term in English.
| Scenario | Example Usage |
|---|---|
| Describing a Boy | "Look at that boy; he is quite handsome." |
| Complimenting a Man | "He is a handsome gentleman." |
| General Appearance | "The building had a handsome facade." |
Conclusion
In summary, calling a boy handsome is perfectly acceptable and a common way to describe his good looks in English.
