lakilaki

Lakilaki, also spelled laki-laki, is a term in Indonesian and Malay that denotes the male gender and, in some contexts, masculine traits. In everyday language, a man is referred to as seorang laki-laki, and the term is commonly contrasted with perempuan, meaning women. Etymology-wise, the expression derives from the words laki and laki-laki, with laki-laki historically used to refer to a male person. In formal Indonesian orthography, the preferred spelling is laki-laki with a hyphen; lakilaki is a common variant in informal writing.

Usage and connotations: Lakilaki can indicate men as a demographic group or reference masculine identity. In sociocultural discussions, the term is often linked to traditional norms of masculinity, including roles such as provider or protector. These associations can vary by community and over time. Contemporary discourse frequently critiques rigid masculine stereotypes and explores broader, more diverse expressions of gender.

Regional variation: Spelling and nuance differ between Indonesian and Malay contexts, and between formal prose and media usage. The term interacts with broader concepts such as patriarchy, gender roles, and gender expression, reflecting ongoing changes in how societies understand and discuss masculinity.