Move over ‘ghosting’ and ‘catfishing’, dating terms now have pop culture references

Trying to find bae? Then focus on how you communicate with your special someone. That online dating has kind of changed the way people meet and connect is no secret. Interestingly, whether or not you follow the new lingo, there is a term to describe all your adventures (or misadventures). A closer look at words like ‘ghosting’ and ‘breadcrumbing’ also shows how pop culture as well as our favourite movie and telly characters have influenced the online dating lexicon. So, if you’re game for upgrading your vocabulary, here’s a ready reckoner…

KANYE-D

Yes, that’s right. ‘Kanye-d’ is inspired by American rapper Kanye West. This refers to a situation when you’re on a date or in a relationship with someone, but you don’t get to talk about yourself at all, because the other person is busy bragging about himself or herself.
Say it like a pro: “I heard that he Kanye-d her on their first date itself.”


JEKYLLING

Picture this: You’re finally with your dream girl or guy, and suddenly, there comes a red flag. He or she turns out to be a completely different personality, similar to the lead characters of Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Inspired by their personality differences, ‘Jekylling’ is referred to someone who becomes nasty if you turn them down over a small thing.
Say it like a pro: “It was all cool till she started jekkylling me when I cancelled our dinner date.”

FLEABAGGING

This term is inspired by actress-director Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s award-winning series, Fleabag, in which the lead character faces a lot of difficulties because of her dating choices. What led to the coining of the term ‘fleabagging’ was her falling for a ‘hot priest’ in a church. Now, this term is most commonly used when one falls for the wrong person.
Say it like a pro: “These past few men in my life have made it a complete Fleabag of things.”
KEANU-ING

This term emerged after actor Keanu Reeves’s fans were taken aback when he made a quick appearance on the red carpet of an event, hand-in-hand with his girlfriend, artist Alexandra Grant. The actor, who is known to keep his personal life under wraps, had sent netizens into a frenzy after this buzzy appearance. ‘Keanu-ing’, thus, means surprising everyone by making a grand entry into a party along with your new love interest.
Say it like a pro: “She pulled off a total Keanu, I wouldn’t have guessed them together at all.”

CASPERING

Adding a character reference to the already popular term ‘ghosting’, ‘Caspering’ is when your date drops enough hints for you to guess the obvious before he/she disappears or ghosts you.
Say it like a pro: “So, you picked him up last night, or are you caspering him again?”

ELSA-D

Do you feel that your partner is ‘frozen’ when it comes to commitment? This term is commonly used for relationships, in which one of the partners often develops cold feet. ‘Elsa-d’ is inspired by the popular Disney character Elsa, who froze her sister, Anna, by mistake, over an argument. Her frozen heart led to the birth of the term online.
Say it like a pro: “I heard that he Elsa-d her right before she walked down the aisle.”
BIRD-BOXING

Sandra Bullock’s award-winning film, Bird Box, is what led to the term ‘bird-boxing’. It refers to a partner in a relationship who
ignores bad behaviour.
Say it like a pro: “Greta, I know that you can see me standing here. Don’t bird-box me.”