The author considers the “ideals” of masculinity for boys and men and the potential for these ideals (in their extremity) to contribute to rigid psychic states and splitting. Split-off parts can return through “gremlin-like” symptoms. These symptoms are subjectively experienced as trouble making, particularly in relation to being “big” or “macho,” physically or intellectually. Women who identify with such ideals are also vulnerable to these gremlin-like symptoms. A literary example is offered as well as personal reflections of two analysts, Donald Moss and the author.