Sigma has emerged as a prominent term in internet slang, particularly favored within young male online circles. It describes a man who embodies self-reliance and unwavering individualism, often idealized as a figure of high status, success, and attractiveness. Beyond this specific archetype, sigma can also express exceptional quality, essentially meaning “extremely good.” Furthermore, it frequently appears as a nonsensical term within online memes and internet humor, showcasing its versatile and evolving nature in digital communication.
Defining Sigma Slang: More Than Just “Sigma Male”
While often rooted in the concept of the “sigma male,” the slang term sigma has broadened its meaning. At its core, it nods to a hyper-independent and self-confident individual, someone who operates outside of conventional social hierarchies. Think of the lone wolf archetype – someone successful and respected, but who plays by their own rules.
However, the internet, known for its playful and often ironic use of language, has expanded sigma‘s definition. It’s not uncommon to see sigma used simply to express admiration or approval, akin to saying something is “cool,” “awesome,” or “excellent.”
What the sigma… this is so epic! – @nainaizone, X (formerly Twitter), 20 Oct. 2024
In this example, “sigma” amplifies the expression of excitement, adding an almost exaggerated, meme-like emphasis to “epic.”
Bro, just forget that sigma alpha nonsense. Not every [business] connection [you have] has to be hyper-successful … Go enjoy yourself, make your money, and take care of your community – @neosugar, Threads, 18 Oct. 2024
Here, the user is referencing the “sigma male” concept dismissively, highlighting the term’s association with online masculinity discussions while advocating for a more balanced perspective.
Someone asked us if it’s skibidi or sigma to bring a pet turtle to the airport & we’re here to answer travel questions but also plz help???? – @tsa, Threads, 26 Sep. 2024
This example uses “sigma” in a more nonsensical, meme-driven way, juxtaposing it with other internet slang like “skibidi” to create a humorous and slightly absurd question, typical of online banter.
The Origin of Sigma: From “Sigma Male” Theory to Internet Meme
The slang term sigma is directly derived from the phrase sigma male. This concept was popularized by Theodore Robert Beale, a controversial figure associated with far-right ideologies. Beale conceived the sigma male as a masculine ideal – a charismatic and solitary individualist. He positioned this archetype as an alternative to the alpha male (the dominant, extroverted leader), drawing from pseudoscientific social hierarchy models that categorize animals and, controversially, men using Greek alphabet letters. Sigma, the 18th letter, was chosen to represent this “lone wolf” type of man.
The term gained traction in the 2010s, particularly within the “manosphere,” a loosely connected online community often linked to misogyny and extremist viewpoints. Within these circles, Patrick Bateman, the protagonist of the film American Psycho (2000), became an iconic representation of the sigma male. Bateman embodied the “sigma grindset,” a highly exaggerated and often parodied mindset that glorifies relentless work, intense physical fitness, and nonconformity as the ultimate expressions of masculinity.
By the 2020s, sigma male, often shortened to just sigma, transcended these niche online spaces and went viral as an internet meme. The “Sigma Face” meme, popular in 2022, epitomized this shift. It featured a Bateman-esque facial expression, supposedly characteristic of the sigma male, and further cemented sigma‘s place in internet humor.
In late 2023, sigma‘s popularity surged again thanks to a TikTok song and video titled “Sticking Out Your Gyatt for the Rizzler (Fanum Tax).” The lyrics, “Sticking out your gyatt for the Rizzler / You’re so Skibidi, you’re so Fanum Tax / I just want to be your Sigma,” deliberately used a barrage of memetic slang terms like gyatt, skibidi, and Fanum tax, satirizing their overuse, especially in online gaming culture. Ironically, this parody further propelled sigma into mainstream slang, contributing to its broader, more generic usage as a term for “excellent,” drawing loosely from the admired traits associated with the sigma male archetype.
The phrase “what the sigma” also gained momentum, particularly after a video in April 2024 featured a SpongeBob SquarePants cartoon character uttering it. This meme presented “what the sigma” as a humorous and slightly absurd equivalent to “What the heck?” or “What the…?”. The phrase even garnered mainstream attention when reports emerged of middle school students using “what the sigma” in classrooms, often to playfully confuse teachers and adults, highlighting its adoption by younger generations.
How is Sigma Slang Used Today? Beyond the “Sigma Male”
While sigma still evokes the sigma male archetype, particularly in online content that offers advice or examples on how to embody this persona, its usage has become increasingly varied. It’s now frequently employed ironically, pejoratively, or within critical discussions about the toxic masculinity often associated with the original concept.
However, sigma also exists as a straightforward slang term for “cool” or “impressive.” Yet, perhaps its most prevalent form today is as a humorous exclamation, particularly in the phrase what the sigma. This usage often carries a sense of absurdity and lighthearted confusion.
Given the extremity of the sigma grindset – the ripped abs, the glamour muscles, the hard hustle merged with unsettling levels of corporate aspiration – it’s unsurprising that alt-left meme accounts began to create their own parodies last year. – Günseli Yalcinkaya, Dazed, 13 Jan. 2022
This quote from Dazed illustrates the critical perspective on the “sigma grindset,” highlighting its extreme and often parodied nature.
In some contexts, especially among older generations or those critical of internet slang trends, sigma, along with other similar terms, might be dismissed as “brain rot” – a pejorative label for online slang perceived as nonsensical or indicative of Generation Alpha’s digital habits.
In conclusion, sigma slang encapsulates a fascinating evolution. Originating from a specific, and often controversial, masculine archetype, it has been reshaped and repurposed by internet culture. Today, sigma exists on multiple levels – referencing its original “sigma male” roots, expressing general approval, functioning as internet humor, and sometimes even serving as a target of criticism. Its meaning is fluid and context-dependent, reflecting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of internet slang.
Last Updated: 23 Jan 2025
