Androgynous is based on the greek words for both woman and man. It is one of those words that has two meanings that kind of equal the same thing. It can mean having no strong distinction between male and female characteristics, and also have both male and female characteristics. It is used in instances of everything from fashion to hermaphrodites.

From a strictly physical appearance standpoint, androgynous people simply can’t be easily distinguished by looks based on the standard male and female traits. This can be either by nature or by personal choice. Some great examples of androgyny in pop culture are David Bowie, Boy George, and Marilyn Manson. While each of these examples are physically male, they all have multiple female characteristics between the way they dress, behave, and otherwise choose to fashion themselves. Another pop culture example is the very intentionally androgynous character from Saturday Night Live, Pat. While some may find this character offensive, or simply not funny, Pat was clearly written with a point of gender uncertainty.

Hermaphrodites are also considered androgynous based on the fact that they are physically both male and female. Whether they appear to be more feminine or masculine doesn’t necessarily matter in this case, as they are scientifically both male and female.

As far as sexuality is concerned, those who consider themselves androgynous can also be described as gender neutral or pangender. It can also pertain to those whom society’s traditional gender roles to do not apply to. Many people consider lesbian women with a less than average number of feminine characteristics, or tomboyish type looks to be androgynous. However, androgyny and sexual orientation are not necessarily always linked as a man does not need to be gay to have equivalent male and female physical or even mental or emotional traits, and the same goes for women.

In addition, androgyny can also, like most physical characteristics, be a sought after trait in finding a partner. Just as some people are turned on by and attracted to people with blonde hair or tall stature, some people will intentionally seek out an androgynous mate. The incidence of this in a same-sex relationship is slightly higher, but it is seen in male/female relationships as well.