Malegendered

Malegendered is an adjective used to describe things—roles, behaviors, language, institutions, or objects—that are associated with or presumed to be relevant to males or masculine identity. The term combines male and gendered to signal that something is coded with male-specific or male-associated meanings. It appears in sociolinguistic, anthropological, and cultural analyses as a way to discuss how gender influences perception and use.

Examples include historical occupational terms such as "fireman" or "policeman," which carried male-coded assumptions and have often been replaced by gender-neutral forms like "firefighter" and "police officer." In language, malegendered descriptors may reflect a default masculine standard, though contemporary practice increasingly favors neutrality. The term can also apply to consumer products, media representations, or social spaces marketed or presented as more suitable for male users.

Terminology and emphasis vary by discipline. Some scholars prefer "male-coded" or "masculine-coded" to describe cultural associations without making claims about biology. The concept intersects with debates over gender neutrality, inclusivity, and the persistence of gender norms. Critics caution that labeling things as malegendered can reinforce binary thinking or obscure diversity within male identities and experiences.

Related topics include gendered language, masculine identity, and gender norms. The term is not universally standardized and may be used differently across fields, but it serves as a descriptor in discussions of how gendered meanings shape language, culture, and everyday life.