Hello, Anna, I'd say that in fact "good-looking" is usually taken as a compliment by most. "Handsome" is the word I would use and hear as a description of someone with "classic" or "movie star" good looks. In addition to Paul's, you could add "head-turner" ("He's a real head-turner.") "Not bad at all!" as an informal understatement. "Fine. Really fine" "Heart-breaker" "charmer" "He could be a model" "Greek god" Lots of subjectivity and of course it all can depend on tone and context. Hope that helps! Martha

Middle English: from hand + -some. The original sense was ‘easy to handle or use’, hence ‘suitable’ and ‘apt, clever’ (mid 16th century), giving rise to the current appreciatory senses (late 16th century). Consider using other synonyms i.e. good-looking, nice-looking, attractive, personable, striking, stunning, gorgeous, hunky or spunky if you think handsome is old-fashioned or a common word. Have fun with words!