beefcake etymology

Etymology

The term "beefcake" is a combination of "beef" and "cake."

  • Beef: From Old English "bēof," referring to a farm animal or its flesh.
  • Cake: From Old Norse "kaka," meaning a round, flat bread or pastry.

Meaning

  • 1. (noun) A well-muscled, physically attractive man, often depicted in photographs or advertisements.
  • 2. (adjective) Of or relating to such a man.

Origin

The term "beefcake" originated in the early 20th century.

  • Bodybuilding magazines: In the 1920s and 1930s, bodybuilding magazines began featuring photographs of muscular men, known as "beefcake photos." These photos were popular among male readers who admired the strength and physique of the models.
  • Pin-ups: During World War II, soldiers often pinned up posters of muscular men as pin-ups for motivation and morale. These posters were also referred to as "beefcake."
  • Gay culture: In the mid-20th century, the term "beefcake" became associated with the gay community, where it was used to describe attractive, muscular men.

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