What does Incel mean?
Involuntary Celibate
Detailed Explanation
'Incel' is a portmanteau of 'involuntary celibate.' It describes a member of an online subculture of men who feel unable to find a romantic or sexual partner, despite desiring one. The term is now strongly associated with a specific online ideology characterized by misogyny, resentment, self-pity, and sometimes, the advocation of violence against women and sexually active people.
Usage Examples
“He was radicalized after spending too much time on incel forums.”
“The shooter's manifesto was filled with common incel talking points.”
“The term 'incel' has become shorthand for a specific type of online misogyny.”
Origin & History
The term was ironically coined in the late 1990s by a queer Canadian woman known as Alana, who created an online support group called 'Alana's Involuntary Celibacy Project' for lonely people. The term was later co-opted by the toxic, male-dominated subculture we know today, primarily on forums like 4chan and Reddit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is everyone who is lonely an 'incel'?
No. In its modern usage, 'incel' does not simply mean someone who is lonely or a virgin. It refers specifically to those who subscribe to the ideology of the online subculture, which includes blaming women and society for their lack of sexual success.