Benevolent sexism?

[Oxycarpus]

Is it ok for a man to describe women as "the lovely" xxx. This could be someone known to them or a celebrity. It makes me cringe a bit and I've seen it described as benevolent sexism.

Oh I agree
There is nothing remotely complimentary about it at all.
It's absolutely patronising.

I really couldn't get worked up over it

It’s equal to a woman describing a man as ‘handsome’ or ‘charming’.

Christ some people love a moan..

anyway, back in the real world!

I really couldn't care less about it. I've spent most of my career in male dominated industries and and it's just not something I'd get upset or uncomfortable over.

As an isolated behaviour, I wouldn’t think anything of it. I’ll often refer to both men, women, friends, or celebrities in a similar sort of jesting fashion. For it to bother you enough to dwell on it though, I’ll assume that this isn’t isolated, and you’re annoyed about other sexist things he does?

I don't see it as sexism.

My (adult) ds has 2 friends called Ben. One is known (by me and his sisters) as 'Lovely Ben' and the other as 'Other Ben'.
Some people are lovely.
I am happy to refer to someone as 'The Lovely Dave' just as much as I am 'The Lovely Lucy'. Which means it isn't sexist.

I guess there are some situations which are more formal, when you wouldn't add any adjective to someone's name, but if you aren't in that formal sort of environment, then anything that can be used to describe anyone isn't sexist, even if it isn't something you would necessarily do.

Not something I could get worked up about really. I agree it’s the same as someone describing a man as handsome, lovely, charming, thoughtful.