What Is A Retrosexual?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

25 Jul 2006 09:03 AM

Okay, by now I am sure you are familiar with the term "metrosexual." The word is used to describe a guy who dresses better than some female models, waxes all unnecessary body hair, spends more in time in the spa than in the gym, and knows the difference between a manicure and a pedicure because he has experienced both. So, what is a "retrosexual?"

According to fashion experts he is a bit hairy and shows a little paunch. Well, perhaps that is an understatement. Editors at Details magazine define a "retrosexual" as a "manly man, an alpha male who may have the physique of a Shar-Pei dog (a little wrinkly and flabby, yet endearing), the manners of a 5-year-old (the kind who makes armpit farting noises at the dinner table) and the ability to pull you in for a hot, sweaty kiss and then go right out and fix your darn car."

Think Will Ferrell in his BVD's in "Talladega Nights," or Jack Black in a too-tight pair of polyester pants in "Nacho Libre." Included on the list of "real life retrosexuals" are Vince Vaughn (yes, after splitting from the ultimate metrosexual-Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston has gone in the other direction and fell for an actor with an "everyman" body).

Brandon Routh's Superman is a total metrosexual. While Kid Rock is the epitome of retrosexual. Ironically, for a guy who could never be accused of excessive grooming he will soon be sharing a home (and a life) with a woman (Pamela Anderson) who coifs herself very well.

Some of Hollywood's top male actors straddle the border between retrosexual and metrosexual, they include Owen Wilson, Mark Wahlberg and Colin Farrell.

So which do you prefer-a retrosexual's puppy dog eyes and hanging paunch or a metrosexual's perfectly chiseled abs and nails?

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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mcmama (51978) 25 Jul 2006 10:40 AM

Your retro man is my kinda guy!

Libby Pelham (12876) 25 Jul 2006 12:05 PM

Oh, I am so disappointed! I was hoping a retrosexual man was on that was like Steve Martin - kinda 40's dress, stylish, wearing a hat. Dang it - Kid Rock? Ew. Oh, but I do LOVE Mark Wahlberg, so maybe there is hope.

Michele Cheplic (37339) 25 Jul 2006 01:51 PM

I love Mark Wahlberg too! Then again, I have loved Steve Martin for years as well... I think Steve is more metro than retro, either way I find him very endearing.

Aimee Amodio (11995) 26 Jul 2006 08:10 AM

Oooh, Owen Wilson is incredibly appealing - maybe because he's not TOO perfect? I agree, the new Superman is amazingly gorgeous, but also incredibly untouchable. Somebody with flaws, like the "retrosexuals" make us common girls think maybe we'd have a shot at a superstar. ;)

Michele Cheplic (37339) 26 Jul 2006 11:15 AM

Aimee, I agree. That's why I was so devastated when (years ago) I heard Michael J. Fox was getting married... and then Jason Bateman. On and I love love Dean Cain... what do you think about him? Retro or Metro?

Jaime Egan (2178) 26 Jul 2006 01:30 PM

I definitely prefer a combination of the two. Too much hair is gross, and a man who is TOO into himself rarely leaves time for the woman.

Libby Pelham (12876) 27 Jul 2006 08:32 PM

I just saw Russell Crowe referred to as a retro - I am starting to dig this retro thing. But Dean (yummy!) strikes me as metro. He is SO handsome.