Has your teen started using “Sigma slang” at the dinner table, or is joking about going into “Sigma grind set” mode on a group chat? It sounds like you’re at a loss for words and are a bit confused. You can find an overload of “sigma” used almost everywhere on the web. You’re probably not the only one who’s encountered questions like, “What does sigma mean in slang?” and “What is sigma slang?” As for “sigma” memes, they’re a relatively new addition to social media and are often made fun of. Often, they’re related to social hierarchies of personality types where sigma exists outside of the familiar alpha and beta hierarchy. It reflects someone who is extremely self-reliant. Let’s break down this buzz word so you can understand what sigma means.
Definition of Sigma
Among younger men, sigma refers to a man whose self-assured, individualistic lifestyle is a form of success and is deemed attractive. It can also mean anything that is extremely good and is also used widely as a nonsense term and meme across the Internet.
Origins of Sigma Slang
Initially, Theodore Robert Beale, a far-right activist, labeled ”sigma” in relation to alpha males. However, it gained popularity in the 2010s, particularly within the “manosphere” subculture. This categorization depicts the sigma male as an introverted, self-assured figure known as a lone wolf, and it became associated with fictional characters like Patrick Bateman, who is framed as intensely focused and isolated – a phenomenon known as “the sigma grindset”.
By the early 2020s, alongside memes introducing “the sigma face”, it was absurdly recontextualized to signify ‘excellent’ because of a TikTok parody song made in October 2023. Immediately afterward, middle school students began trending a SpongeBob quote, “What the sigma?”, which they replaced with “What the heck?”.
Evolution and Popularity of Sigma
Cultural Adoption
The collocation “sigma slang” became popular, especially with Gen Z during a time when everybody was re-evaluating their interpersonal relationships (looking at you, post-pandemic world). Young people started proclaiming that they had broken free from the straitjacket of assigned social behaviour, thus making a term like “sigma” very appealing. It was a form of self-obliteration and self-contemplation at the same time, and they usually posted videos or tweets indicating how they understood “what the sigma meaning slang” is.
Sigma Memes and Internet Culture
If you have encountered memes with the words “skibidi sigma” or some allusions to the so-called “Sigma Face” of Patrick Bateman, that’s how the internet has chosen to mock the concept. Many comedic skits on TikTok make fun of people who are trying too hard to act “above the group,” earning “sigma” punchline status instead of a philosophy. What is often referred to as the meme culture enjoys making a mockery of serious concepts, and “sigma” is no different.
On TikTok and X, hashtags like #SigmaLife and #LoneWolf periodically gain traction due to themes like unassuming soloism or self-sufficient tenacity. John Wick or Batman, along with several movie and comic book characters, are considered prime examples of solo operatives, which is one of the core features of a sigma person. Viral videos and meme templates featuring these characters help popularize the term even more, turning them into iconic symbols of independence.
Contextual Usage of “Sigma” in Conversations
In these scenarios, it’s easy to see how “sigma” can be used as an affirmation, a neutral term, or even a joke. Sometimes, it’s used to compliment someone’s unconventional bow, while in other cases, they appear to be having fun.
Examples
- Positive: “She’s such a sigma—she started her own art studio and didn’t wait for anyone’s approval.”
- Neutral: “Not everyone wants to be an alpha or a beta. Some people just prefer the Sigma lifestyle.”
- Satirical: “I overslept and missed my exam… guess I’m living that Sigma grindset now!”
The sole concept of “sigma” already makes some sense in the form of self-independence and self-leadership intending to use it positively. However, one literal interpretation can take it into a gray area, if not a completely wrong one. Some niches, for some reason, carry the idea of so-called “sigma males” as men who keep to themselves and never show any emotions, and that is surely sexist. However, most people use the Term ironically, especially the young ones. They are fully aware that over-generalizing alpha/beta/sigma is not the most accurate system out there.
Related Terms and Concepts
Alpha and Beta Males
In modern society, “alpha” typically refers to the dominant, assertive, sociable leader, while “beta,” on the other hand, is seen as more passive or submissive. These terms have been used in debates on social hierarchies for quite some time now, though many people find these terms to be overly simplistic. Most individuals search “What is sigma slang?” because they are interested in labels that are not binaries of alpha or beta.
Sigma Grindset
The term “sigma grindset” on social media platforms depicts an extreme emphasis on oneself without caring for anyone else’s opinions. Some people use this self-improvement construct genuinely, but most people use it to mock feminism, especially when it’s hypocritical or unattainable. You would definitely see someone ironically posting on X saying, “Didn’t take a break all weekend- sigma grindset, baby!”
Other Gen Z Slang
These days, slang terminology emerges quicker than a student makes excuses for not doing homework. Aside from “sigma,” you might hear “sus,” “no cap,” or “simp.” Every phrase stems out from different spheres of social media and makes its way to normal speech among adolescents and young adults. But at least these phrases make conversations more fun, even if it feels like you are being forced to sprint a marathon.
Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding Sigma
Many scholars put forth social science theories, which claim that ‘sigma talk’ is but a label that strengthens modern masculinity and suggests gendered categorization. The ‘lone wolf’ persona can serve as an example to illustrate this claim. Such a figure’s existence depicts extreme emotional superiority, which does not and cannot exist in real life, where support and community are paramount.
On the other hand, some people view the whole ‘sigma’ angle as parody and humorous. It is obvious to them that classifying people into alpha, beta, or sigma is overly funny and serves as satire. Instead, they choose to ridicule those who fall for it through memes and ironic jokes. As it is with most kinds of slang, there are distinct groups: those who comprehend the satire, and those who don’t.
Should Parents Pay Attention to Teen Slangs Like Sigma?
Understanding “Sigma slang” isn’t easy for parents and can be baffling. At one extreme, it could merely be a prank your child shares with their friends. On the other side of the spectrum, it is time to be concerned if they start embracing extreme beliefs, like refusing to show weakness. A good suggestion is encouraging open dialogue: instead of forming assumptions, try to converse with your teen to figure out what that term means to them.
How Famicyber Can Help Parents Stay Informed
Monitoring a teenager’s internet activity can get exhausting, with new slang used almost every month. Famicyber, however, is a tool that parents looking for assistance with the devices can look to. Children can be instructed on using the internet responsibly because parents will take more active roles in their kids’ lives online.
Key Features
- Message monitoring
- Call oversight
- Real-time location tracking
- View Wifi connections
- Check browser history
How to Use Famicyber to Monitor Teen Slang Terms
Step 1. Create Account
Start by creating a new account on Famicyber.
Step 2. Download The Application
The app can also be downloaded on Android devices; on Apple devices, it can be synced via iCloud.
Step 3. Supervise Messages, Apps, And Internet
Activate the app and begin monitoring messages, contacts, call logs, apps, and web traffic.
Step 4. Monitor and Talk to the Child
You can bring up your child’s online behavior when they have used a certain term, like “sigma”, “YW“, “RN“, “RIZZ” or “POS“.
Conclusion
Keeping track of terms such as “sigma” can be quite the task. However, “sigma, meaning slang,” usually relates to celebrating self-sufficiency, sometimes humorously. In our short formative years on this planet, it is but a fragment of the much larger picture teens interact with daily. Children look for irrelevant trends, so instead of taking a step back and fearing these changes, try conversing with them. If that’s out of your comfort zone, tools like Famicyber give you a rundown of all the relevant to-dos without stepping on anyone’s toes. Most importantly, being supportive and seeking answers undeniably helps regardless of how frequently slang is used.
Hi, I’m Elaine, a psychologist specializing in digital psychology, focusing on how technology impacts teens and adults. At famicyber.com, I offer advice on managing online behavior, from guiding parents with teens’ screen time to helping partners maintain healthy digital relationships. I hold degrees in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University and have 6 years of experience as a Clinical Psychologist and 4 years as a Researcher.
