How can you tell if someone is effeminate?

Answer 1

A person should generally be able to tell by observing another's mannerisms, etc. "Effeminate" more refers to external characteristics or how a person is seen by others (and the word itself has some pejorative/negative connontations.) So it doesn't necessarily refer to a person's internal or less visible characteristics (though it can, as well) but generally those things that can be observed with the eye. An 'effeminate' person, on average, will have a better emotional understanding and tendency towards harmony and understanding; rather than conflict or assertion of dominance, as is stereotypical of male behavior. They're also likely to be a bit more sensitive, and more accepting and understanding of their emotions. They're also likely to feel a bit out of place in more 'macho' settings. Not necessarily because they're 'less than men' as some like to think (I think this is a highly misogynistic way of viewing it...) They're just less likely to self identify with typically 'macho' behavior. Which I actually tend to see as a positive thing, as a lot of that stuff is pretty outmoded. Often they will come across as a bit more 'refined' and having better interpersonal sensibilities than the average man. I'd also say they're more likely to be understanding of difference, as they themselves are used to falling on the 'wrong' side of the gender binary, and thus they tend to recognize how self identity can differ from the social standard. Why do you want to identify effemiate men, anyways? A lot of people look down on them, but I think that's wrong and very misogynistic. It's basically sending the message that "men > women" which IMO isn't the case. Men and women are equally as awful and amazing as each other, IMO. Although in somewhat different ways.