6 articles
Catfishing
Catfishing is creating a false online identity to deceive someone, often romantically; also called romance scamming. Named from the 2010 documentary Catfish; FBI-reported US losses reached about $1 billion in 2021.
Cougar (slang)
Cougar slang: an older woman who dates or pursues much younger men, attested by 2002, probably from Canada, popularized by Valerie Gibson's 2001 book; informal, often offensive, distinct from the wild cat.
Ghosting (behavior)
Ghosting: abruptly ending a relationship by stopping all communication without explanation. Also called slow fade's sharper sibling; documented in dating, friendships, and psychiatry; prevalence 13–85% depending on study.
Negging
Negging is a backhanded compliment or subtle insult used to undermine someone's confidence and make them seek approval. Originating in pickup artistry via Mystery and Neil Strauss's The Game, it differs from teasing and gaslighting.
Sexting
Sexting, from 'sex' and 'texting', is sending or receiving sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos by phone or internet. Key facts: youth prevalence 14.8% sending, 27.4% receiving; nonconsensual forwarding 12.0%; links to image-based sexual abuse and laws against it.
Simp
Simp is internet slang for someone, usually a man, showing excessive devotion to a romantic interest without reciprocation. Clipped from "simpleton" (1903), it spread via hip-hop, the manosphere, and TikTok's 2019 Simp Nation trend.