What Does Stud Muffin Mean? Exploring This Flirty Slang

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Plus, find out where "stud muffin" comes from

Co-authored by John Keegan and Devin McSween

Last Updated: June 23, 2025 Fact Checked

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Meaning

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Uses

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Origins

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Stud Muffin vs Stud

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Is it offensive?

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Related Terms

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Video

While talking to your friends, you might hear them refer to a guy as a “stud muffin.” But what does this term mean? “Stud muffin” is simply a slang way to say that a man is physically attractive. If you want to learn more about this phrase, keep reading! We’ll go over the definition of “stud muffin,” how to use it, explain where it comes from, and tell you whether it’s a compliment or not.

Stud Muffin Definition

“Stud muffin” is a slang term that means a man is very physically attractive. It usually describes a guy who’s muscular, has sex appeal, and is a 10/10 on the attractiveness scale. You typically use it in a romantic way to compliment a man on his appearance.

Section 1 of 6:

Stud Muffin Meaning

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“Stud muffin” is slang for a man who is attractive. “Stud muffin” is a casual and slightly humorous way to refer to a guy who is very physically attractive—in other words, he’s a total hottie. Calling a man “stud muffin” usually means he’s fit, muscular, and oozes sex appeal. Along with his handsome appearance, it can mean that he’s charming, kind, and funny. Basically, a stud muffin is the total package: he’s hot inside and out!^{[1]
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- Examples:
  - “Camila’s new boyfriend is a stud muffin. She’s one lucky girl!”
  - “Kenji is the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. He’s a total stud muffin.”
- “Stud muffin” can be written like “studmuffin” or “stud-muffin”—all 3 ways are acceptable.

Section 2 of 6:

How to Use Stud Muffin

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Flirt with your crush or partner by calling them “stud muffin.” You typically call a man “stud muffin” to let him know that you find him attractive, so use it when you’re talking to a guy you’re romantically interested in! This could be your crush, a new guy you’re seeing, or your long-term partner. Telling him that he’s a stud muffin is the perfect way to flirt with him and pay him a playful compliment so he knows (or is reminded) that you’re totally into him.
- Examples:
  - “You look amazing in that shirt. I’ve got to say, you’re a stud muffin.”
  - “I can’t keep my eyes off of you. You’re a total stud muffin.”
- Dating coach John Keegan agrees that calling a guy “stud muffin” is a great way to flirt with him. He says guys also like to be called “Handsome,” “Adorable,” “Cute,” “Sweet,” “Sexy,” and “Fun” when flirting with them.^{[2]
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Call your partner “stud muffin” as a cute nickname. If you’re looking for a flirty and playful nickname for your boyfriend or husband, “stud muffin” is the perfect choice! It lets your guy know that you find him super sexy and sweet, which will definitely make him feel good about himself and appreciated. Plus, it’s a little silly, so it’s sure to get a laugh out of him, too.
- Examples:
  - “Hey, stud muffin! You’re looking like a real snack today.”
  - “What do you need, stud muffin? I’ll help you out since you look so good.”
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Refer to attractive guys as “stud muffins” when talking to your friends. If you spot a hottie while you’re out with friends, call him a “stud muffin” to make it clear to your pals that a guy’s caught your attention. While you can certainly admire him from afar, this can also be your chance to approach him, strike up a conversation, and get his number or ask him out!
- Examples:
  - “Woah, check out that stud muffin over there, Amaya. He’s so hot.”
  - “Stud muffin at 12 o’clock. How do I look? I’m going to go over and talk to him!”
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Compliment your friends by calling them stud muffins. While “stud muffin” is primarily used in a romantic way to talk about men you find attractive, you can use it platonically to boost a guy friend’s confidence. This is a slightly silly, but totally genuine, way to hype up their appearance when they’re showing off a new haircut, outfit, or simply looking good!
- Examples:
  - “Okay, we’ve got a stud muffin in the house! That new haircut looks great on you, Angelo!”
  - “You’re looking like a stud muffin in that new shirt, Malcolm!”

Section 3 of 6:

Stud Muffin Origins

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The slang term “stud muffin” was first used in the 1980s. The first recorded use of “stud” was in 1983, when it was printed in the Buffalo News newspaper. It gained popularity through the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, though it may be used less today.^{[3]
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- By itself, “stud” is a slang way to refer to a man who’s very attractive, masculine, and muscular. It likely became slang for an attractive man because “stud” refers to a male animal used for breeding, like a horse or dog.^{[4]
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- Muffins are tasty baked goods. So, adding “muffin” after “stud” could be a way to say that a guy is visually delicious, or a total snack.
- “Muffin” is also a fairly common term of endearment that means someone is cute and sweet, which could be why it’s attached to “stud.” “Muffin” could be a play on the slang term “beefcake,” which describes an attractive and muscular guy.

Section 4 of 6:

Stud Muffin vs Stud

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Both “stud muffin” and “stud” are slang ways to refer to a man who’s physically attractive, masculine, and exudes sex appeal. “Stud muffin” has a slightly more playful and humorous vibe, but they’re both lighthearted and complimentary ways to say that a guy is a 10/10 on the attractiveness scale.

Section 5 of 6:

Is “stud muffin” offensive?

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“Stud muffin” is meant as a compliment, so it’s usually not offensive. Calling a man “stud muffin” is a slang way to say that he’s physically attractive, so it’s usually seen as a flattering compliment. It also doesn’t have any negative hidden meanings or associations. While lots of people may see “stud muffin” as a compliment, some might find it objectifying or disrespectful because it only focuses on a guy’s looks.
- Before you call a guy “stud muffin,” think about whether he’s comfortable with receiving compliments about his appearance.
- Since “stud muffin” implies that you find a man sexually attractive, you might want to wait to call a guy that until you know him better. Telling a guy he’s a “stud muffin” could come across as rude or an unwanted advance if you don’t know each other well.
- If you’re not sure if a guy would be comfortable receiving a compliment about his appearance, stick to complimenting him on his personality or skills instead.

Section 6 of 6:

Related Terms

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“Hunk” and “beefcake” also refer to an attractive man. There are plenty of other slang terms that describe a man who’s very physically attractive. Check out what they are and what they mean below!
- Hunk: An attractive man who’s large, muscular, and strong.
- Beefcake: An attractive and muscular man.
- Himbo: An attractive and kind man who’s not very intelligent. It’s usually meant in a positive way to say that a guy is simple in a charming, wholesome way.
- Lady-killer: A very attractive man who most women can’t resist.
- Chick magnet: An attractive man who gets a lot of attention from women (“chick” is slang for a young woman).
- Silver fox: An attractive, older man who has graying hair.
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“Hottie” and “babe” are general ways to say someone is attractive. There are plenty of slang ways to refer to someone as physically attractive, regardless of their gender. For instance, check out these slang terms:
- Hottie
- Babe
- Smokeshow
- Sexy
- Snack
- Dreamboat
- Stunner
- Bombshell