If you’re a parent trying to stay updated on the latest slang, one term you may have heard frequently is “thirst trap”. This term is commonly used in social media spaces, often associated with the idea of portraying oneself as sexually attractive. As part of our ongoing series explaining trending slang, we are here to break down the meaning of “thirst trap”.
What Does "Thirst Trap" Mean?
To be “thirsty” in the modern vernacular describes someone who is desperate for attention, especially sexual attention. Therefore, this slang expression extends from this concept and specifically refers to photos or videos that individuals share of themselves or others on social media, displaying them in a sexually appealing light. The term connotes the aspect of 'trapping' or captivating the 'thirsty', i.e., those craving attention from the one posting these photos or videos. As an example, consider this sentence: “After I watched You on Netflix, my TikTok feed was just a bunch of Penn Badgley thirst traps.”
Tips for Discussing Slang with Your Child
- “What’s a new word you and your friends are using right now?”
- “When I was your age, people would say something was ‘all that and a bag of chips’ if it was awesome. What’s your favorite word to describe something as cool?”
- “I know emojis can mean something different to kids than they do to parents. Are there any emojis I use that you think I should stop using?”
- “If you could describe yourself using just one emoji, which one would you pick?”
Remember, engaging candidly and non-judgmentally with your child about such matters will foster trust, making them more likely to approach you with any online concerns they may have in the future. Building this line of communication will not only help you understand the new digital language but also ensure that your child navigates the online world safely.