Women are loving men who embrace ‘babygirl’ vibe — and ditch toxic masculinity

Being “so babygirl” is the hottest compliment — for men.

A 26-year-old, 6-foot-5 man isn’t what comes to mind for most Americans when they think of a baby girl, but it is for Gen Z.

Jacob Elordi, 26, was deemed “so babygirl” during his promotion as host of “Saturday Night Live” in January when musical guest Reneé Rapp and cast member Bowen Yang made the decree.

The Australian actor has joined the ranks of other heartthrobs — including Pedro Pascal, Timothée Chalamet and “The White Lotus” actor Leo Woodall — being associated with the moniker, leading to confusion for some and crushes for others.

A new definition of the term “babygirl” has recently been adopted, remaining as a term of endearment but expanding to include a specific type of swoon-worthy man.

A man who is “babygirl” comes across as sweet, charming, a bit bashful and seemingly in touch with their feminine side, ready to talk about their feelings or carry a purse to brunch at any point.

It’s exactly what women want and men want to become — the antithesis of toxic macho masculinity.

“Traditionally, highlighting feminine qualities in men has been a putdown, but this doesn’t seem to be the case with ‘babygirl,’ which almost has a celebratory quality,” Kaamna Bhojwani, a Columbia University-educated sexuality expert, told The Post.

For one, Gen Z is much more fluid when it comes to gender and sexuality than older generations, encouraging rather than condemning blurring the lines around the previously restrictive boxes separating masculine and feminine.

It’s not just about being emotional, either.

Elordi’s purses, Pascal’s shorts and Chalamet’s sequins have these men proudly parading their traditionally feminine touches — and admirers are loving it in return.

According to Vogue Runway’s year-end poll, gender-bending menswear was dubbed the industry’s favorite 2023 trend.

Heterosexual women — especially Gen Zers — are “rusting” (romanticizing and lusting) after men they consider to be “babygirl.”

The trend “signals a sharp departure from the uber-masculine sex symbols of the previous generations,” Bhojwani explained to The Post — and men outside the limelight are taking note.

“I think the definition of what is masculine is changing,” Adam Cohen-Aslatei, director of Tawkify matchmaking service, told The Post. “Some traditional norms are shifting. Masculinity today is not about being a tough guy but about being honest, respectful, protective and emotionally expressive.”

About 31% of American men have actively changed their behavior to become more vulnerable and open with people they are dating, according to Bumble’s 2024 Dating Trends report.

“Men are now more comfortable showing who they are emotionally, their authentic selves, and letting their personalities shine through instead of putting up barriers or worrying about being too emotionally expressive,” Cohen-Aslatei noted.

And for a quarter of men — 25% globally — this new-found openness has had a positive impact on their emotional state, Bumble reported.

“This desire to make mental health stigma-free for males goes hand-in-glove with a desire to reshape masculinity in ways that allow for a broader aesthetic and emotional range,” Gabriel Rubin, a professor of Justice Studies at Montclair State University, told The Post.

Many Americans are making an effort to manage their mental health as each generation has reported worsening issues, leading health officials to deem loneliness an epidemic and suicide rates to rise — especially among young men.

“More than ever, people are aware of their mental health and want to take steps to better it. When it comes to relationships, people want to date someone who can accept when he is wrong, be open with his feelings and share that with their partner. This can contribute and enhance the level of intimacy and trust in a relationship,” Khaya Caine, a certified professional dating coach, told The Post.

While this change has helped men themselves, it’s also been spurred by women’s increased independence and well-being. Women today are outpacing men in graduating from college and buying homes, are out-earning men in several states and freezing their eggs to take the pressure off of rushing into parenthood.

“Women are fiercely independent. Women don’t need men. So I think that women have priorities that are better for them,” Cohen-Aslatei said.

“It used to be that the connotation of masculine was you can be a tough guy, a protector physically, and I think that the concept of, like, an emotional protector being there for you is something that’s become more important than just someone’s physical presence.”

The majority (87%) of people on Bumble agreed that kindness is now the most important quality, the global report found.

“The overarching theme is that our rigid gender boxes and stereotypes are damaging and repressive,” Bhojwani told The Post. “The men I speak to who have found their deepest self-love and acceptance are those who have leaned into their vulnerability, their humanness and their need for intimacy, not just sex.”