Androgyny - meaning and definition
Alsoandrogynousandroandrogyneandrogynous style
Definition
A mix of masculine and feminine characteristics, or a presentation that is not clearly either, especially in appearance and style.
At a glance
- Androgyny mixes masculine and feminine traits, or sits between them.
- It usually describes style and expression rather than identity.
- It has a long history in fashion, music and art.
- An androgynous person can have any gender identity.
In detail
Androgyny usually describes gender expression: clothing, hair, grooming and mannerisms that combine or sit between typical masculine and feminine styles. It has a long history in fashion, music and art.
An androgynous person may have any gender identity. Some non-binary and agender people choose androgynous styles, but many cisgender people do too, simply because they like them.
In a sentence
- Her androgynous look, short hair and tailored suits, became her signature on stage.
- The fashion house is known for androgynous designs that anyone can wear.
Where the word comes from
Androgyny comes from the Greek andros, meaning man, and gyne, meaning woman. It has been used in English for centuries, and became a popular fashion and music term in the twentieth century.
Not to be confused with
- Intersex
Androgyny describes appearance or style; intersex describes innate physical sex characteristics.
Common questions
Is androgynous a gender identity?
Usually not. Androgynous most often describes appearance and style. Some people do use it to describe their sense of self, but an androgynous-looking person can be a woman, a man, non-binary or anything else.
Does being androgynous mean someone is non-binary?
No. Many cisgender people enjoy androgynous styles, and many non-binary people do not present androgynously. Only the person can say what their identity is.