nonmasculinepersonal

Nonmasculinepersonal is a neologism used in discussions of gender expression to describe personal presentation, identity, or behavior that does not conform to traditional masculine norms. The term combines nonmasculine with personal to emphasize individual variation within or beyond masculine stereotypes.

The term is not a standardized concept in mainstream linguistics or gender studies; its usage appears in niche writings and online discourse concerned with nonconformity to masculine norms. It can function as an adjective, as in nonmasculinepersonal style, or as a noun phrase, referring to a nonmasculine personal stance. In practice, it signals a deliberate departure from conventional masculinities in how a person presents themselves or identifies.

Applications of the term may describe self-identification, fashion, speech, or mannerisms that do not align with masculinity. It can intersect with nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, or feminine/androgynous expressions and may be used to discuss pronoun choices, intimacy styles, or cultural performance in social spaces. The phrase is often employed in personal narratives, online communities, or academic discussions that seek to foreground nonmasculine models of subjectivity.

Critique of the term notes that it risks essentializing “nonmasculine” as a single, coherent category and that its ambiguity can hinder clear communication or cross-cultural analysis. Because it remains informal and context-dependent, its meaning can vary significantly between communities and discourse domains.

See also: gender expression, masculinity, femininity, nonbinary, gender identity, queer theory.