is [B] handlebar[/B] often used to describe a mustache ?

A handlebar is a particular kind of mustache. Most mustaches don't fall into that category. (Greek has nothing to do with it.)

The ends of a handlebar mustache curl up--like the handlebars on a bicycle.





Mustache (not handlebar mustache)

Only a specific style of mustache.

Similar to this. The "bars" can either point up or down.



Handlebar from Handle + Bar Circa 1885-90

Handle
Middle English handelen, from Old English handlian.

bar from Gk báros weight. Also listed as origin obscure.

http://dictionary.reference.com/

thank you Roberta and dadpad for your help,you are so patient with me

I beg to differ with some of the previous posters. The UK definition of a
handlebar moustache, as first worn by RAF pilots in 1940, is enshrined
in the membership qualification for the Handlebar Club, based at the
"Windsor Castle" pub in London. The qualification for membership is: "A
hirsute appendage of the upper lip, with graspable extremities". In addition,
they specify that beards are not allowed.

http://www.handlebarclub.co.uk/

It seems clear that many of the pictured moustaches already shown would not qualify.

The 1953 Prime Handlebar

Perhaps the original had the look of an untrimmed hedge whilst, by the time Mr. Fingers grew his, there had been some growth towards a more artful form.

Joe(Nothing is frozen in time, not even time.)Nation