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Although the term "metrosexual" may be a tricky word to define, a metrosexual man can be spotted walking down the street from 20 city blocks away. The term identifies a new kind of city-dwelling male who, without giving up his claim to masculinity, enjoys doing the kind of "aesthetic" that formerly would have gotten him labeled a sissy. Fortunately for the metrosexual, the breed is multiplying, making the ability to recognize the new stylish man-type that much more important.

Check out his general appearance. If, in a quick glance, you see a man who looks as if he actually put time into his whole appearance and didn't just roll out of bed and throw on whatever dirty clothes were lying around, then you can be pretty sure you're looking at a metrosexual.

Start at the top. Following in the footsteps of the one of the world's most famous metrosexuals, soccer star David Beckham, metrosexuals are bound to put effort—actual effort—into their hairstyles. Look out for a gelled-up male hairdo that looks better than it should. Also keep an eye out for frequently changing hairstyles to recognize a metrosexual.

Spot a taste for quality. The metrosexual likes to spend money, and not on kegs, power drills and NASCAR tickets. The average metrosexual has a well-paying job at some ad agency, business consultancy or other glossy concern and likes to show it. To recognize a metrosexual's financial trail, look for the man who spends money on Armani ties and fine alcohol at the bar.

Look for the ladies. All the other guys might hate to admit it, but the metrosexual is good with the opposite sex. You can recognize a metrosexual as the guy who's doing better with women by lavishing attention on them and engaging in conversations that would leave many non-metrosexual men at a loss for words.

Read over his shoulder. If that's a men's fashion magazine, you can be pretty sure that the suspect is a metrosexual. Recognize metrosexuals by paying attention to what they read: fashion magazines, cinema reviews and culture rags.