Skip to main content
Dictionary
Store
Blog
World
Help
Advertise
Chat
System Status
Information Collection Notice
Trademark Concerns
reCAPTCHA Privacy
Terms of Service
reCAPTCHA Terms
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Report a Bug
Data Request
Contact Us
Security
DMCA
© 1999–2026 Urban Dictionary ®
Mugs
Tees
Hoodies
Pro Customization
Create unique products with your own words and definitions
Preview
Personalize Your Design
Your Word
Your Definition
The rules for "acting like a man"; the mentality, behaviors and restrictions that many men and boys are socialized to conform to. These tenets of the "cult of masculinity" are both symptoms and enablers of Dominator Culture. They can be so pervasive as to be almost invisible; yet they lead men to disrespect, mistreat, and abuse women and each other. --- THE MAN BOX Demonstrate power/control (especially over women) Aggression - Dominance - yell - intimidate Do not cry openly or express emotions (except for anger) Do not express weakness or fear - "take it" Don't back down - don't make mistakes Do not be "like a woman" Heterosexual Have lots of sex with women - "conquests" Do not be "like a gay man" Tough/Athletic/Competitive/Strength/Courage Make Decisions - Never ask for help Women viewed as property/objects (especially sexual objects) --- (Based largely on Tony Porter's TED talk "A Call to Men")
Text fits
Save
Cancel