" handsome "

Question

Can I use handsome for man, old man, young man, kid or is only for man ?

Answer 1

For all but with a kid cute is much better. First three are best with handsome. If the kid is maybe, over 5 it's OK. You can say handsome woman too, but not used as much that way.

Answer 2

Handsome can be applied to a man, an old man, a young man, an adolescent, a woman, an old woman, a young woman, boy, girl... but kid? It just wouldn't sound right. No rule here, just English usage, and it probably varies by region. Handsome connotes striking and a bit imposing, not a property a child typically possesses.

You can also refer to a handsome sum (a substantial amount of money).

what about a little kid that's all dressed up in a suit? I'd say - wow you're looking very handsome :) - Kiwi-Girl, Dec 21, 2011

Yeah, but you're a Kiwi... OK, just joking. There you go, an exception under every pebble. - Jeremias, Dec 23, 2011

Answer 3

I would say that you can use handsome for all ages although when you use it for a child it's usually when you say it too them, as a compliment.

As the others mention it can also be used for a woman but not so much in speech more likely in literature and refers to a woman who you probably wouldn't call pretty but she is good looking in a strong kind of a way.

I hope that helps - oh and not so much for animals although the guy below abviously thinks we should

Answer 4

A handsome child is a good looking child but I think that use is a bit old fashioned.

Handsome in a man is usually good looks at any adult age this would include manners.

Handsome in a woman is elegance, charm and bearing regardless of "pretty"

Answer 5

If you use "handsome" to describe a kid or lady it is correct, but a bit old fashioned.