‘须眉’ literally means ‘beard and eyebrows’, two prominent facial features traditionally associated with adult men in classical Chinese culture. Though composed of two body parts, the term functions as a metonym—referring not to facial hair itself, but to men collectively, especially mature, dignified, or heroic males. It originates from ancient texts where ‘mustached and eyebrowed ones’ were contrasted with women (who lacked beards) and symbolized masculine virtue, authority, and integrity.

This term is highly literary and formal—rarely used in casual speech or modern media. You’ll encounter it mainly in historical novels, poetry, idioms (e.g., 须眉丈夫), official rhetoric, or when evoking classical elegance. Because it carries connotations of honor and moral stature, it’s often used respectfully or admiringly, never neutrally or dismissively. Note that it excludes boys, eunuchs, or figures lacking traditional markers of manhood—not a biological but a cultural construct rooted in Confucian ideals.