The term ikemen (Japanese: イケメン) (also sometimes jokingly written "EK面") is a portmanteau neologism derived from the Japanese words ikeru (いける) or iketeru and menzu (メンズ). Ikeru and iketeru mean "cool", "good", and "exciting", while menzu is the Japanization of "men".[1] This term has been used to reference good looking men featured in Japanese pop culture.
Ikemen are typically characterized as being sharply dressed individuals with deep-set, slender, and intelligent-looking eyes; husky voices; slender wrists and fingers; a manly build; an unruffled appearance; pale skin; and clean smelling with an air of mystery around them.[2] Ikemen are typically reserved with the ability to become passionate in their interests with the impression that they are literary geniuses.