What does Pick Me mean?
Someone seeking validation by putting others down
Detailed Explanation
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'.
Usage Examples
“She's such a pick me, she always talks about how she only gets along with men.”
“His whole 'I'm a nice guy who finishes last' routine is giving pick me energy.”
“Saying you prefer hanging with guys because it's 'less drama' is a classic pick me statement.”
Origin & History
The concept has existed for a long time, but the term 'pick me' gained significant traction on Black Twitter in the mid-2010s. The hashtag #TweetLikeAPickMe went viral in 2016. It saw a massive resurgence on TikTok in the early 2020s, where it became a widely used label for this type of behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can men be 'pick me's'?
Yes. A 'pick me boy' is a man who might put down other men or pander to women in a disingenuous way to be seen as different or more desirable.