General
sheik
What does sheik mean?
A handsome, charming young man with a way with women.
"He fancied himself a real sheik with that slicked-back hair."
Origin
Popularized in 1920s American slang by Rudolph Valentino's 1921 film 'The Sheik,' which made the figure of the exotic, romantic male a youth-culture icon. It paired with 'sheba' for the era's glamorous young couples.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'sheik' mean in 1920s slang?
It means a smooth, attractive young man and ladies' man, the male counterpart to a 'sheba.'
Where did 'sheik' come from?
From Rudolph Valentino's 1921 hit film 'The Sheik,' which turned the romantic-hero image into 1920s youth slang.
Is 'sheik' an insult?
Not usually. It described a charmer, though it could carry a sly hint that he was a bit too smooth for his own good.
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