Pretty is for girls or pretty is for boys, which is which?

Most males would not like to be described as 'pretty' and would consider it insulting because the adjective is used to describe 'non-masculine' attributes. Likewise, the word 'handsome' is not usually applied to girls (though a 'handsome woman' is just permissible and may even be taken as a compliment by a few women who value their looks above their femininity).

Pretty, based on oxford(portable) dictionary, can be conclude as a way to make statement about something attractive. SO, i think it could be used to call an attractive boy(his face, body, mind, heart, attitude, etc) as pretty boy.

There's a song by M2M entitled "Pretty Boy." Have you heard this song already? I guess it's okay to use this word for teenage boys.

Hi shavkat: That's actually a very interesting discussion. I think that it might be a problematic word some decades, even years ago. But as time pass we men have evolved. Now it's more common to see guys concerned about their physical appearance, the "metrosexual guys", you know. I think that it's not about the word but the intention of the person. A man can call a woman pretty in a sarcastic way for example and it would also be disrespectful. ALVARO

I don't think so it's an insult. I have heard it in songs, from people. Both can be use to describe someone. Pretty is such a common word used by so many. Pretty boy to me sounds like someone is calling him that because the guy is really cute.

hmmmm .. yes you have a point. Will there be any discrimination for "pretty" even sure and well. (Pretty sure, Pretty well lol joking ) Will the boys should be offended when they called "pretty boys?" But I am pretty sure, that I will be called pretty woman... I will be more than happy . nice discussion ....pretty girl..

hi Shavkat, yes, pretty can also be used to describe boys and they should not be offended by it. usually pretty boys like to do all the stuffs to their face especially to make their skin or hair looks better and nicer. and they do like people to compliment them with the word pretty sometimes. it simply means that you noticed their effort and you noticed they were different from other guys who don't look pretty.

I think there are no problems to that. I mean, time is evolving including words...people invent new words...and every year new words are even added to the English dictionary...it's so cool!

I agree with Owlwings. In my culture, you never call a male, "pretty" except -- when some males are "kept" by women (Cougars for example) and that male is very handsome, then sometimes that male is called a "pretty boy". I think jealousy is involved here because sometimes a very handsome guy who has the women is called a "pretty boy". Justin Bieber might be called a Pretty Boy by somebody. But generally, most males are handsome and females are pretty. Now a baby (male or female) sometimes is called, "pretty."

We are passed the ancient world where women are much more confined at home and men are expected to fight every war possible. Many changes, especially in the higher innovation of technology and communication, have shifts people's attitudes in different culture. In some culture, it may still not appropriate to try to change gender's roles. In many, any words can apply to both including the word 'pretty'. Nowadays, it would not be a crime to have a casual interaction while saying 'Hey, Pretty Boy!...' I'm not sure if girls in Muslim world would do this. You can call someone like Zac Efron, a pretty boy for sure. Other than the word 'pretty', you can tell a male friend, "You look so BEAUTIFUL today". If this is not a muslim culture, he would more likely appreciate it.

I don't think it will be sort of insult for them using world "Pretty" to describe the boy. When we use the word "UGLY" to describe boys as well as Girls I can say it is obvious to use word Pretty to describe boys as well as girls

Pretty is best described in girls where I guess is most appropriate. It's seldom used in boys.

I don't even know an example when you would call a guy pretty unless he is "pretty"..in which he dosen't mind being called pretty, because thats what he is trying to be.. In my opinion I don't even think nor would I ever refer a straight male a pretty man...and I can understand a male getting upset if he is called a "pretty man:.

For me , pretty is like exclusive for girls but beautiful can be used for boys and girls. Still we can use pretty for boys but just that we are not used in it , so awkward to our ears. Just like in the sentence she danced well , it would be more appropriate to use gracefully - She danced gracefully. Got the difference ? Though nice is still a correct adjective.

For referring to boys I think I would prefer to call them good looking, but not pretty, as that refers mainly to girls.

In our culture, boys can be pretty babies, but after that, they should be described as handsome, not pretty. kThe term "pretty boy" is used for one who is effeminate.

It works both ways for me. I've told guys before "You're pretty!" and they didn't get mad but laughed. Why can't a man fit that description? They are pretty too.

Hello my friend Shavkat Ji, Well, to come to conclusion, I would find out the opposite of 'PRETTY' and we will say 'HANDSOME' , so I think PRETTY is faminine and should be used in conjunction with females as 'HANDSOME' I SUSED FOR BOYS. But with apology from all learned English Members here, as I consider them as authority on their Language , in my comparison. I would always pronounce as 'PRETTY GIRL' and HANSOME BOY. May God bless You and have a great time

I feel that pretty is a term that is appropriate for either male or female babies. However, I think that by the time that a child starts to show some of the gender differences, for example when they are about two years old, it becomes inappropriate to use the word pretty when describing a little boy. I feel like at that point in time, little girls continue to be pretty, but little boys are handsome at that point.

Well it depends. You can say "pretty boy" to a young man, so attractive and sexy just as you can say "handsome lady" to a so gentle and charming.