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Masseur Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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masseur

[məˈsəːr ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

professional

A masseur is a person, usually a man, who gives massages professionally.

Synonyms

massage therapist, masseuse, masseuse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
masseur

Used to refer to a male professional who performs massages. More commonly used in informal or general contexts.

  • He booked an appointment with a well-known masseur to help relieve his back pain.
  • The spa employs a skilled masseur who specializes in sports massages.
masseuse

Used to refer to a female professional who performs massages. More commonly used in informal or general contexts.

  • She works as a masseuse at the local wellness center.
  • The masseuse provided a relaxing Swedish massage that helped ease my stress.
massage therapist

A gender-neutral term for a professional who is trained and licensed to perform massages. This is the preferred term in formal and professional settings.

  • My doctor recommended visiting a licensed massage therapist for my chronic muscle pain.
  • Certified massage therapists are required to complete a certain number of training hours and exams.

Examples of usage

  • He booked an appointment with a masseur to help relieve his muscle tension.
  • The masseur used various techniques to relax the client's body.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A male massage therapist who provides physical relief through massage.

Synonyms

massage therapist, masseuse, physical therapist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
masseur

Used specifically to refer to a male professional who performs massages. Often used in formal settings or when distinguishing gender is relevant.

  • I have an appointment with a skilled masseur this afternoon.
  • The spa hired a new masseur to provide deep tissue massages.
masseuse

Specifically refers to a female professional who performs massages. Often used in formal settings or when distinguishing gender is relevant. Note: This term can have a slightly outdated or sometimes negative connotation.

  • He booked a session with an experienced masseuse at the wellness center.
  • The masseuse specializes in aromatherapy massages to enhance relaxation.
massage therapist

A gender-neutral term that can be used in any professional setting to describe someone who specializes in the therapeutic treatment of muscles and tissues through massage techniques.

  • She decided to become a certified massage therapist to help people relieve stress.
  • The clinic employs several massage therapists who are skilled in various techniques.
physical therapist

Refers to a healthcare professional who helps patients recover from injuries and improve their physical abilities, often through exercises and manual therapy. This term is broader and includes more than just massage techniques.

  • After her knee surgery, she worked with a physical therapist to regain strength.
  • The physical therapist developed a personalized rehabilitation plan for the patient.

Examples of usage

  • The hotel spa has a skilled masseur who specializes in deep tissue massages.
  • She prefers getting a massage from a masseur rather than a masseuse.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Ancient Egyptians practiced massage as part of their healthcare, depicted in various hieroglyphics.
  • Massage techniques were used in ancient Greece to enhance athletic performance and aid recovery.
  • Chinese medical texts from as early as 3000 BC described massage as a method to alleviate pain and promote health.

Pop Culture

  • In modern films and shows, characters often visit masseurs for relaxation or comic relief moments.
  • Popular in wellness retreats and spa culture, where massages are a common treatment to relieve stress.
  • Some famous personalities and athletes use masseurs to help them recover from injuries and maintain their performance.

Health and Wellness

  • Regular massages can improve blood circulation and reduce muscle tension, contributing to overall health.
  • Studies suggest that massage therapy may lower stress hormones and improve mood.
  • Massage therapy has been integrated into many healthcare practices as a complementary treatment for various conditions.

Literature and Arts

  • Massage has been a recurring theme in literature, often symbolizing healing and intimacy.
  • Many artists have depicted the act of massage to represent care, nurturance, and human connection in their works.
  • Famous writers have described massage as a form of therapy, emphasizing its importance in personal narratives and discussions about health.

Origin of 'masseur'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'masseur' comes from the French word 'masse' meaning 'massage' or 'to knead.'
  • Masseurs are often male; the female equivalent is called 'masseuse.'
  • The word 'massage' itself has origins in Arabic and Greek, meaning to 'press' or 'knead.'

The word 'masseur' originated from French in the late 19th century, derived from the verb 'masser' meaning 'to massage'. The term became popular in English as a professional title for a male massage therapist offering massages for relaxation and therapeutic purposes.

See also: amass, mass, massacre, massage, masses, masseuse, massive.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,178, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.