This trope has a certain prevalence in Japanese media, where traditional standards of masculinity differ quite from those of the west. Busby did it because her shade of lipstick was on the napkin that was found with the victim - it's called passion plum, I very nearly borrowed it for the ball the other day.') Sometimes girly knowledge is also a part of the badassitude.'No one suspects the flamingly camp hairdresser of being a super soldier.') On a related note, some characters use their femininity to maintain an element of surprise.Their pretty looks and girly behavior are an indicator of their prowess - they go through the exact same trials as the scarred, unshaven, macho-looking tough guys, and do it without messing their hair or breaking a nail.

As for men, seeming gay immediately signals compatible orientations, and cuts down on beating around the bush. This is possibly a case of Truth in Television as women seem to have an easier time trusting girly men, and thus girly men often use this as a tactic to get laid. It can also be seen as a sexual tactic, as in some universes acting girly seems to attract women (and in certain shows everyone else) in droves.

They're still inherently effeminate characters, but they've realized that it throws people off, and so use it to their advantage.

In some cases effeminacy is a tactic for these characters, a way to unsettle and intimidate their enemies, by their logic: If he can still be badass and confident in his masculinity in that dress, his balls must be the size of watermelons and made of steel.

Some ways in which girliness can make a character more badass: A 'Sensitive Guy with a Manly Streak' is another way to describe them. Their femininity is most often more diva than demure. Decadence is also a big part of this trope, as they're usually more fabulous than simply feminine. These characters are rarely regimented military types, usually filling more the lovable (or in some cases detestable) rogue role, though occasionally one is seen in the role of the military leader of some sort. Unlike the Real Men Wear Pink trope, these characters are not macho with one or two girly interests, they're all around girly characters, who are also tougher, cooler, and more surrounded by ladies than any normal person could ever hope to be (to some extent because they're girly). They also tend to be romantically successful, attracting admirers, and often getting the girl - or boy, if they're into that. They can be gay, straight, bisexual, or asexual good or evil Played for Laughs or played seriously but they're all dominant personalities who tend to get their way. They may have combat skills, seduction ability that rivals James Bond's, or simply be Chessmasters skilled in manipulating others. They're often campy, vain, and in many cases pretty, but they're also incredibly effective at what they do, and quite powerful. These male characters are badass sensitive guys. With the long range rifle, in the… NEVER MIND, I was thinking of something else!

Flirty fishing 3 shadow warrior 2