beaus

Beaus is the plural form of beau, a noun used in English to refer to a male romantic partner or escort. The term is often used with a light or affectionate tone and can imply a fashionable or socially prominent suitor. In modern usage, beaus can refer to any boyfriend or male admirer, but the word carries a slightly dated or nostalgic nuance and is more commonly found in literary or humorous contexts.

Etymology and plural forms: The word beau derives from French beau meaning "beautiful" or "lovely." In English, the standard plural is beaus; an alternative spelling beaux is borrowed from the French plural and appears in more formal or stylistic contexts, such as literary titles or historic accounts. Pronunciation is typically "boh."

In culture: The term appears in 19th-century social columns and literature, often as "the beaux of the season" to designate fashionable male escorts. It also appears in modern storytelling and media as a quaint or period-appropriate term. The gendered companion concept is largely historical in some regions, with contemporary alternatives like boyfriend or partner becoming more common.

Related terms: Beaus relates to beau and beaux as noun forms, and to modern equivalents such as boyfriend or partner. The word retains a nostalgic or stylistic connotation in contemporary usage.