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The World Wide Web is an interesting place to note peoples' self definitions. Maybe someone is sexybabe1001 or hunkypunk10, when the reality is that they either don't really believe it or many others around them don't.

"Sexy" is a hotly contested term. It can be perceived as both an objective and subjective label. Evolutionary psychologists suggest that our notion of "sexy" is linked to evidence of reproductive capabilities.

Sociologists determine that the label is socially constructed and culturally influenced.

The word "sexy" refers simply to being sexually attractive or arousing. In the animal kingdom, physical attraction is a key determinant. Just ask the peacock. However, the human mind is so developed that any number of things can be sexually appealing or attractive to it.

Physical beauty and form

We must begin at the beginning. There is more to being sexy than meets the eye- literally. Still, this is the first premise of sexual attraction. "Beauty" is a contentious term as is "sexy". While beauty is culturally and socially defined, most people within sub groups in society have similar ideas of what beauty is. A pretty or handsome face would likely be considered as sexually attractive and be better able to elicit involuntary smiles.

Form is the complement to beauty. There is a great debate over whether build/ shape is more important than facial features. People can be considered sexy on either count. However, evolutionary psychology posits that our attraction to certain parts of anatomy is based on the cues that they give us. Large hips in women indicate reproductive capacity and broad shoulders in men may serve a similar purpose to the lion's mane.

Intelligence

Intelligence as being "sexy" is what sets us apart from other animals. Indeed, the entire package of attraction for human beings has different components. Appealing to the mind of another can lead to appeal in other ways. However, sociologists may suggest that intelligence is appealing because it correlates to power and social status.

Personality

Some people are more intense than others. They have a strong aura that people find attractive. Some personality types are more apt to be flirtatious and open. At other ends of the spectrum, the introvert may appear shy or mysterious- which some people may find interest-piquing.

Confidence and attitude

Although some people find shyness "sexy" sometime, a person can be shy but confident in other ways. Being confident- without being overbearing

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