The name given to this god was also a homonym for monument. It represented construction in all its senses. That is to say, the construction of buildings, the raising of monuments and human procreation. He was shown with a monumental, edifying erection.

The flail he is pointing to suggests a pyramid in perspective, and the reference to builders (his hand within the triangle, the pyramid) suggests that he represents the building itself (He is the building not the builder) The arm bent at right angles suggests a set square and the hidden aspects of the science of building. His wrapped body gives one to understand that he is the incarnation of inert and moulded bodies.

Like Ptah and Ousir, his symbol is the column djed representing the stability essential to all buildings. The emblem also symbolises the spinal column of the gods. Men is associated with lime which forms the frame or structure of reconstituted stone.

The god's name is often written Menou when it signifies several buildings, the sign ou indicating that the hieroglyph is plural.