MLC § 8.02

The Male Compliment Boundary

THE RULE

In straight-guy buddy context, call another grown man sharp, solid, clean, strong, or good-looking—not cute.

WHAT THIS MEANS

The compliment is welcome; the approved vocabulary simply keeps the fictional paperwork to one page.

WHEN IT DOES NOT APPLY

1. The word describes a baby, pet, or object
2. You are quoting somebody else
3. The men are romantic partners and buddy-court rules do not apply

EXAMPLES

• VIOLATION: You greet your grown male friend by announcing that his new outfit makes him look cute.
• NO VIOLATION: You tell him the suit looks sharp and ask who handled the tailoring.