Ancient Roman society developed terms to label effeminate men. One such term used in ancient Rome to describe men who take the passive role in sex is cinaedus. Larson defines cinaedus as, any man who rejects his gender and masculinity by dressing effeminately and by engaging in acts that were taboo for masculine men: oral or anal penetration. Men were labeled cinaedus by society if they did not conduct themselves in a masculine way or have a specific physical appearance. For example, if a man attempted to make his body softer by removing his hair or took excessive interest in his appearance, he was considered effeminate. Masculine men were supposed to have a rough-rugged appearance. Effeminate males were also considered to be pathics; that
