斩男色

• Pinyin: zhǎn nán sè
• Hanzi breakdown: 斩 (capture / slay) + 男 (men) + 色 (color) -> a color marketed as charming to men.

Meaning

A lipstick or makeup color thought to be especially appealing in a mainstream feminine look. The term literally means a color that charms men.

It is common in beauty marketing, especially for pink, coral, or red lipstick shades. The phrase can feel heteronormative, so modern users may use it jokingly or critically.

Examples

1. 这支豆沙色以前常被叫斩男色。 This dusty-rose shade used to be called a man-attracting colour.
2. 我买口红看气色，不追斩男色。 I buy lipstick based on how it suits my complexion; I don't chase man-attracting colours.
3. 博主说斩男色，其实就是温柔显气色。 The blogger says it's a man-attracting colour, but really it's just soft and flattering.

Usage Guide

Context: beauty, shopping, makeup reviews

Tone: trendy, commercial, sometimes ironic

Do Say

• 这支豆沙色以前常被叫斩男色。
• 我买口红看气色，不追斩男色。

Don't Say

• Do not imply makeup choices should exist only to please men.

Common Mistakes

• Taking 斩 literally; it means strongly attract in this slang context.

Origin & History

From beauty-commerce slang around colors marketed as attractive to men, especially lipstick shades.

Cultural Context

Era: 2010s

Generation: Beauty consumers, now somewhat dated

Social background: Common in makeup and shopping communities

Regional notes: Still understood in Mainland China but often treated with irony.