searching for words

I realized the other day that I strongly dislike the word handsome. not because of what it should mean, but because of how it sounds and because of the connotations that come with it.

In the same way that I like the sound of the words paste and green and Matkatamiba I dislike the word handsome.

handsome also seems to come with a heavy weight of stuffy ick that just doesn't suit me. beautiful, sexy, gorgeous, these are words I would use, but how to describe a very attractive person with a decidedly masculine quality? without the stuffy factor?

I have been searching the web, dictionaries, the thesaurus and books of poetry recommended by Conor to expand my deficient vocabulary. But I'm thinking that I know quite a few people that could help me out with this one.

anyone have some good suggestions?