The use of "handsome" for guys is primarily a matter of social convention, not grammar. It's a practice that has become ingrained in our language over time.
How Language Conventions Shape Our Usage
The way we use adjectives to describe attractiveness is heavily influenced by repeated exposure. Here's a breakdown:
- Frequency Matters: As stated in our reference, we often use "handsome" to describe men and "beautiful" to describe women, because we frequently encounter those pairings. This repetition solidifies the association in our minds.
- Not a Rule: It is important to note that these are not strict grammatical rules. The choices are governed by what feels natural to us due to common usage, not because of any specific rule of English.
- Evolution of Language: Language evolves over time based on social trends and repeated usage. The association of "handsome" with men is a prime example of this evolution.
Examples
Consider these common phrases:
- "He is a handsome man." - typical and widely understood.
- "She is a beautiful woman." - equally common and accepted.
- "He is a beautiful man." - While understandable, it is less common.
- "She is a handsome woman." - While not ungrammatical, it does feel unusual to many people.
Key Takeaways:
- Convention, Not Grammar: The use of "handsome" for men is a social convention rather than a grammatical necessity.
- Exposure Matters: Frequent exposure to particular pairings reinforces our linguistic preferences.
- Language Evolves: Language changes over time, and these conventions evolve along with it.
| Adjective | Typical Usage | Common Association |
|---|---|---|
| Handsome | Men | Masculine Attractiveness |
| Beautiful | Women | Feminine Attractiveness |
In summary, we use "handsome" for guys because it is what has become conventional through repeated use and the association of the word with masculine attractiveness. It is not grammatically mandated but rather socially established.
