The slang term Chad has historically been applied in different contexts. It originated in the United Kingdom, where it was used to describe a particular humorous ad-hoc cartoon.[1] Later, it was employed in Chicago as a derogatory description for young, upper-class, urban males.[2] In modern internet slang, the term generally refers to an "alpha"[3] or simply a sexually successful male.[4]
The slang term "Chad" originated in the UK during World War II and was employed in a similar humorous manner as Kilroy was here.[1] It later came into use in Chicago[2] as a derogatory way to describe a young, wealthy man from the city's northern suburbs, typically single and in his twenties or early thirties.[2] Chicago's Chads were covered by a satirical website dedicated to the Lincoln Park Chad Society, a fictional social club based in the city's upscale Lincoln Park neighborhood.[5]
The term became a viral meme in the 2010s after appearing on the online messaging board 4chan under the name "Chad Thundercock".[6] Chad is described as a heterosexual, White male, usually blond-haired,[7][8] who is gainfully employed, athletic, sexually active, and well-endowed.[9]
The term has come into use in incel forums and as internet slang to refer to sexually active, supposedly genetically superior men, or "alpha males".[10] Within the manosphere and internet culture, Chads are generally viewed as constituting the top decile in terms of genetic fitness.[11] In online animation drawings in the manosphere, a Chad is often depicted as a muscular blond man with very pronounced masculine features. One such depiction, in the "Virgin vs. Chad" internet meme that originated from the /r9k/ board on 4chan in 2017, contrasts an introverted and insecure "Virgin" who acts normal, compared to a muscular and egotistical "Chad" who acts absurdly and over the top.[12]
Chads are sometimes portrayed as the opposite to "omega" or "beta" males, and as physically attractive. The term Chad is sometimes used interchangeably with "slayer".[13] Due to their characterization as being genetically gifted and privileged—though sometimes depicted as shallow, air-headed, arrogant, and overtly sexual[14]—the term Chad is used in both a pejorative and complimentary way on incel forums and on the internet as a whole.[15][16]
The female counterpart to a Chad, in slang, is a "Stacy",[17][15][18][19] or "Trixie".[20]
"Gigachad" is a related internet meme that uses black-and-white photographs of a muscular male model. It is used to assert one's opinion as correct, without providing evidence or reasoning.[21]
- "Lincoln Park Chad Society". Archived from the original on December 5, 2006.
- "Lincoln Park Trixie Society". Archived from the original on October 17, 2000.