So Babygirl! The New Gen Z Slang And Why It Is Being Used To Describe Certain Men

Gen Z has a knack for crafting new words and slang that encapsulate their worldview.

Among their linguistic innovations are terms like "rizz" and "slay," and the latest addition to their lexicon is "babygirl." Contrary to what one might expect from the name, "babygirl" doesn't refer to young girls.

Instead, it's a term used for male actors, and its usage spans a wide range of contexts. This usage of "babygirl" emerged around 2021, showcasing the fluidity and adaptability of language, especially within younger generations.

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Used to describe certain men

It has been used on social media to describe people including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Timoth¨¦e Chalamet and ¡°The White Lotus¡± actor Leo Woodall ¡ª being associated with the moniker, leading to confusion for some and crushes for others.

In fact, Jacob Elordi, 26, was deemed ¡°so babygirl¡± during his promotion as host of ¡°Saturday Night Live¡± in January when musical guest Rene¨¦ Rapp and cast member Bowen Yang made the decree.

But, what does it mean?

What does 'Babygirl' mean?

Recently, the term "babygirl" has taken on a new definition, evolving from a term of endearment to denote a specific type of swoon-worthy man. A man described as "babygirl" embodies qualities such as sweetness, charm, a hint of bashfulness, and a seemingly effortless connection with their feminine side.

They are open to discussing their feelings and may even be comfortable carrying a purse to brunch without hesitation. This portrayal of "babygirl" represents a departure from toxic macho masculinity, embodying traits that both women desire and men aspire to emulate. It reflects a shift towards embracing a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of masculinity in contemporary society.

¡°Traditionally, highlighting feminine qualities in men has been a putdown, but this doesn¡¯t seem to be the case with ¡®babygirl,¡¯ which almost has a celebratory quality,¡± Kaamna Bhojwani, a Columbia University-educated sexuality expert, told The Post.

For one, Gen Z is much more fluid when it comes to gender and sexuality than older generations, encouraging rather than condemning blurring the lines around the previously restrictive boxes separating masculine and feminine.

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The trend is buzzing and why?

It¡¯s not just about being emotional, either.

Elordi¡¯s purses, Pascal¡¯s shorts and Chalamet¡¯s sequins have these men proudly parading their traditionally feminine touches ¡ª and admirers are loving it in return.

¡°I think the definition of what is masculine is changing,¡± Adam Cohen-Aslatei, director of Tawkify matchmaking service, told The Post. ¡°Some traditional norms are shifting. Masculinity today is not about being a tough guy but about being honest, respectful, protective and emotionally expressive.¡±

Vogue Runway's year-end poll crowned gender-bending menswear as the favorite trend of 2023 within the fashion industry.

In a cultural shift, heterosexual women, particularly Gen Zers, are embracing the concept of "babygirl" men, romanticizing and lusting after those who embody this persona. This trend marks a notable departure from the hyper-masculine sex symbols of past generations. Men outside of the spotlight are also recognizing and adapting to this evolving standard.

Bumble's 2024 Dating Trends report reveals that approximately 31% of American men have made deliberate changes to their behavior to cultivate greater vulnerability and openness with individuals they are dating.

And for a quarter of men ¡ª 25% globally ¡ª this new-found openness has had a positive impact on their emotional state, Bumble reported.

¡°This desire to make mental health stigma-free for males goes hand-in-glove with a desire to reshape masculinity in ways that allow for a broader aesthetic and emotional range,¡± Gabriel Rubin, a professor of Justice Studies at Montclair State University, told The Post.

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