What Does Sigma Mean in Slang and Social Media?
If you have kids who fall into the Gen Z or Gen Alpha categories, you may hear them use words and phrases that sound completely unfamiliar to you, like “sigma.” Many moms and dads wonder about the sigma meaning and want to find out what does sigma mean.
This guide explains all, covering the meaning, origins, and use cases of sigma among young generations.
Contents:
- What Does ‘Sigma’ Mean?
- Using ‘Sigma’ — How, Where, and Who Uses It? Examples
- Other Gen Z & Gen Alpha Slang Terms
- How To Talk About Slang With Your Child and Keep Them Safe Online
- FAQs
What Does ‘Sigma’ Mean?
Christian Bale’s Iconic Expression
Let’s start off with the sigma meaning. Sigma is technically the 18th letter of the Greek alphabet, and just like other Greek letters, like alpha and beta, it’s taken on a meaning of its own in slang usage. Specifically, it refers to someone (usually a man) who is considered cool but also independent, following his own path in life.
In the context of archetypes, the sigma person is seen as a lone wolf, existing outside the traditional social hierarchies dominated by Chad (the highly social and dominant male) and Beta (a follower or more passive figure). The sigma archetype is appealing to many because it represents charm, skill, and self-sufficiency without the need for external validation. Millennials and younger generations have embraced this variation of masculinity, using the phrase to indicate a person who measures success by their own standards.
An offshoot of the sigma archetype is the internet trend of sigma face (sigmaface)—a specific facial expression, often used in memes, to simply represent cool detachment or self-control. This trend is a modern reflection of the traditional ways society defines skill and charisma.
Origins
Theodore Robert Beale commonly known as Vox Day, is an American activist and writer. Credit: wikipedia.org
Like a lot of Gen Alpha and Gen Z terms, sigma originated online and gained popularity on social media platforms, like TikTok and Twitter/X, though it actually started back in 2010. According to reports, a far-right writer nicknamed Vox Day first used the term, describing “sigma males” as outsiders who are essentially cool and attractive without trying, like an alternative to the “alpha male.”
Slang Meaning
Sigma can be interpreted in various ways. But, when used as a slang term among younger people, it generally refers to men or boys who are able to come across as cool and charismatic, despite having their own independent sense of style and not necessarily following the usual trends or rules that others do.
Meaning in Social Media
Sigma is very heavily used across social media sites like TikTok among younger users. On these platforms, it has the same kind of meaning as it does in other settings.
It typically refers to males who are considered cool, popular, or successful, while still being humble and independent. It’s part of the so-called “hierarchy of males” which exists in the “manosphere” space of the internet. It revolves around ranking and categorizing men and boys and is often linked with far-right ideologies.
However, a lot of younger people may also use sigma in other ways when they type it out online or say it in TikTok clips. To them, it may just be used as an alternative to the word “cool,” as a way of saying that something is engaging to them. Many also use it ironically or sarcastically, as they don’t necessarily buy into the idea of “sigma” and “alpha” men.
Using ‘Sigma’ — How, Where, and Who Uses It? Examples
Peaky Blinders’ Cillian Murphy Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby
There are several different ways to use sigma, both online and in real conversation. Here are a few examples.
To Describe a Man or Boy
The classic way to use “sigma” is to effectively describe a male who appears to fit the “sigma” definition—i.e. someone who is cool and stylish without necessarily following trends or trying to stand out.
“Craig’s such a sigma, he doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him.”
In an Ironic/Sarcastic Way
People may also use sigma in a jokey fashion, with a hint of sarcasm or irony.
“Dave skipped class this morning. What a sigma…”
Alternatives
The main alternatives for sigma are alpha and beta. Traditionally, these are also terms used to describe men or boys who fit different categories. Alpha males, for example, are said to be those who are dominant in relationships and the most successful with money and so on, while beta males are those who are more subordinate. Again, these terms are often associated with far-right circles and have a lot of criticism.
Other Gen Z & Gen Alpha Slang Terms
YanLev Alexey/Shutterstock.com
Some other Gen Z and Alpha slang terms you might hear kids using include:
- Brainrot: Used to describe the idea of people’s abilities or mental state degrading, usually due to spending too much online and on social media sites, in particular.
- Rizz: Short for charisma, this describes people who are good at flirting, dating, or deemed to be attractive and fun to be around.
- Ohio: A lot of Gen Z and Alpha people use Ohio to say that something or someone is boring.
- Skibidi: Skibidi, sometimes expanded to “skibidi toilet,” is a completely nonsensical word that has no real meaning and can just be used randomly.
We’ve created an entire section on slang expressions to help parents stay on the same page as their teenagers! Come and explore.
How To Talk About Slang With Your Child and Keep Them Safe Online
Talking about slang with your children is a good way to establish clear lines of communication between the two of you and spot any warning signs or red flags you might need to know about. Here are some tips to help:
- Use Your Experience: Discuss old slang terms from your past and explain what some of them meant. That can be a great way to establish a conversation about slang and get your kids to open up about the terms they know. For example, terms like “cool” or “rad” may have evolved, but they can serve as an entry point to talk about modern slang like “sigma” or “chad.” By linking these modern terms to older slang, you can help your child define and understand the meanings behind them in a way that’s less intimidating and more engaging.
- Be Inquisitive: Kids often appreciate when parents show real interest in their lives. So be inquisitive, ask questions, and show that you’re genuinely curious and eager to learn more about the terms the younger generations are using.
- Use Tech to Your Advantage: Use parent-friendly app Kids360, which helps you track and control how much your kids are accessing social media and what sorts of things they’re searching for online. The app also provides a platform for positive reinforcement. You can set up interactive tasks and rewards that motivate children to balance screen time with beneficial activities. By having insights into your child’s online activity, such as what slang they are exposed to or the chats they’re engaging in, you can help them navigate online spaces safely and understand the context behind certain trends. Monitoring their exposure to internet slang while promoting healthy habits helps you maintain their safety and well-being.
The Kids360 app
Ready to keep your child safe online while encouraging them to grow? Try Kids360 today!
Understanding Sigma
All in all, sigma isn’t necessarily a term that parents should worry about, but kids who use it seriously or believe in the concept of sigma and alpha males could end up down some worrying paths of misogyny and other forms of negative behavior.
Being aware of this term and speaking with your child about it will help you stay informed about their social circle. Share this guide around so other parents can benefit from it, too.
FAQs
The perfect Sigma Male Breaking Bad Walter White
What Does Sigma Mean in Gen Z?
Gen Z generally uses “sigma” to refer to men or guys who are cool yet humble and independent.
What Is Sigma Slang Female?
Sigma is most often used to refer to males, but may also be used for girls who fit the sigma description of being cool without following trends.
What Is a Sigma Personality?
People who are classed as “sigma” tend to be free-spirited, humble, confident, yet strong and charismatic at the same time.
What Does Sigma Mean for Boys?
Traditionally, sigma refers to boys who are attractive and engaging without being loud, obnoxious, or arrogant about it.
The picture on the front page: MPIX/Shutterstock.com
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