sigma

Sigma has two slang meanings. A “sigma male” is supposedly a cool, independent lone wolf who succeeds outside the social hierarchy. Among younger kids, “sigma” has also become a general word for “cool” or “awesome,” often used ironically.

What does sigma mean?

The original idea comes from online self-improvement and “manosphere” circles, which sort men into ranks like alpha (dominant leader) and beta (follower). The sigma is pitched as a rare third type: just as successful as an alpha but quiet, self-reliant and uninterested in fitting in. Fictional loners like Patrick Bateman in American Psycho became popular, and much-mocked, “sigma” icons.

This ranking system is pop psychology, not science, and much of the sigma content online is parody. By 2023, many kids were using “sigma” simply to mean “cool” or “impressive,” alongside words like skibidi and rizz.

How to use sigma

• “He ate lunch alone with sunglasses on. Total sigma.”
• “That goal was so sigma.” (meaning “cool”)
• “Sigma grindset: wake up at 4 a.m., ignore everyone.” (mocking)
• “What the sigma?” (an absurd kids’ meme phrase)

Is sigma meant seriously?

Sometimes, but usually not. Adults mostly use it ironically to mock hustle-culture influencers. Kids often use it as playful nonsense praise. When someone uses it earnestly, it can signal they’re into manosphere content.

Where sigma comes from

According to Dictionary.com, “sigma male” was apparently coined by the blogger Theodore Robert Beale, known as Vox Day, who described it as early as January 2010. It went viral on social media in 2021. Merriam-Webster notes that in October 2023, “sigma” spread as a general word meaning “excellent.”

Related terms

• Based: boldly yourself.
• Rizz: charm.
• Skibidi: a nonsense word from a viral video series.
• Mewing: a jawline trend from the same online circles.

See more terms like this in our Gen Z slang dictionary.