Dating & Relationships

'Bae' is a term of endearment for a significant other, similar to 'babe' or 'sweetheart.' It is also sometimes retrofitted as an acronym for 'Before Anyone Else.' The term was extremely popular in the mid-2010s and, while still understood, is sometimes now viewed as slightly dated.

A 'beige flag' is a term used in dating to describe a peculiar, weird, or quirky trait in a partner that is not inherently good or bad. Unlike a red flag (a deal-breaker) or a green flag (a clear positive), a beige flag is something that just makes you pause and go 'huh... that's odd.' It's a neutral, and sometimes amusing, quirk that adds to a person's unique character.

In modern slang, 'body count' refers to the number of people an individual has had sexual intercourse with. The term is often used in online discussions about dating, relationships, and sexual history. It can be a controversial topic, with discussions often revolving around whether the number matters and the different societal expectations placed on men and women.

'Catfishing' is a deceptive activity where a person creates a fake or fictional persona on a social media service to mislead someone, typically for the purpose of starting a fraudulent romantic relationship. A 'catfish' is a person who does this. They will often use someone else's photos and false biographical information to create their fake identity.

'Down bad' has two main meanings. The most common modern usage is to describe a state of being desperately horny or infatuated with someone, often to an embarrassing or shameless degree. The second, more traditional meaning is to be in a state of extreme sadness, depression, or misfortune.

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where a person seeks to make another person question their own reality, memory, or sanity. In internet slang, the term is used more broadly to describe someone who is being manipulative, denying reality, or trying to convince someone that their valid feelings are wrong. It refers to someone twisting the truth to gain an advantage.

Ghosting is the act of suddenly and without explanation ending all communication with someone, typically in a romantic or dating context, but also applicable to friendships and professional relationships. The person who is 'ghosting' disappears from the other's life by no longer responding to texts, calls, or social media messages.

To be a 'Heather' is to be a person who is effortlessly beautiful, kind, and universally desired. The term is used to describe someone who everyone wants to be, or be with. It represents an idealized, almost unattainable standard of perfection. It is almost always used as a compliment or an expression of admiration.

A 'pick me' is a pejorative term for someone (often a woman, in the case of a 'pick me girl') who claims or acts as if they are 'not like others' to gain validation from an opposing group. This often involves putting down members of their own group. For example, a 'pick me girl' might try to appeal to men by claiming she's 'one of the guys' and criticizing other women for being too 'dramatic' or 'basic'.

Rizz is modern slang for skill in charming or seducing a potential romantic partner. It is a shortened form of 'charisma.' It can be used as a noun to describe a person's natural charm ('He has a lot of rizz') or as a verb ('He rizzed her up'). The term describes a person's ability to flirt and attract others effortlessly.

A 'rizzler' is a person who is exceptionally skilled at 'rizzing' people up—that is, they have a lot of 'rizz,' or charisma. It's a noun used to describe a smooth, charming, and successful flirt. The term is often used humorously and can be associated with over-the-top, almost cartoonish levels of charm.

Simp is a derogatory term for someone (usually a man) who is seen as being overly submissive or attentive to someone else (usually a woman) in hopes of winning their affection or attention, often without reciprocation. It implies that the person is doing 'too much' and sacrificing their own dignity. The term is controversial and often criticized for its potentially misogynistic undertones.

'Simping' is the verb form of the slang term 'simp.' It describes the action of being overly eager, attentive, or submissive to someone, usually a romantic interest, in a desperate attempt to win their affection or approval. It implies that the person is doing 'too much' and that their efforts are cringe-worthy or undignified.

A 'situationship' is a romantic or sexual relationship that remains undefined. It's more than a casual hookup but lacks the explicit commitment, labels, or clear future of a formal relationship. People in a situationship may have deep feelings for each other but have not had the 'what are we?' conversation, leaving the relationship in a state of ambiguity.

'The Ick' is a term used in dating to describe a sudden, visceral feeling of cringe or repulsion towards a person you were previously attracted to. It's often triggered by a small, specific, and sometimes irrational turn-off (like the way they run for a bus or chew their food). Once you get 'The Ick,' the romantic attraction often vanishes and is very difficult, if not impossible, to get back.

In slang, 'thirsty' is a derogatory term for someone who is overly eager or desperate, usually for attention, compliments, or romantic validation online. It implies a sense of shamelessness in seeking validation from others, often through 'thirsty' posts (like suggestive selfies) or by aggressively trying to get someone's attention.

A 'zaddy' is a slang term for a handsome, stylish, and confident older man who is attractive and has a lot of swagger. It's a more modern and intense version of a 'daddy' or 'silver fox.' The 'z' adds an extra flair and implies a higher level of style and appeal.