- To unexpectedly start developing romantic or strong emotional feelings for someone, often someone you didn't intend to have feelings for (like a friend, a casual partner, or someone unavailable).
Explanation
Origin
- Relatively modern slang, popularized in the late 20th / early 21st century, particularly within youth culture and online.
- The phrasing catch feelings is similar to catch a cold – it implies something that happens to you somewhat involuntarily, unexpectedly, and possibly undesirably (in contexts where romance complicates things).
- It suggests the feelings sneak up on you rather than being a conscious decision.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Falling for him/her
- Getting sprung (older slang, meaning infatuated)
- Down bad (modern slang, implies strong, possibly unreciprocated feelings/infatuation)
- Simping (modern slang, often negative, implies excessive devotion, especially if unreciprocated use with caution) Simp derives from simpleton, suggesting someone foolishly devoted. Online, it often carries a judgment against men perceived as overly subservient to women they are attracted to, hoping for attention/affection.
Milder:
- Starting to care about someone more deeply
- Feeling a connection
- Getting attached
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal. Very common in casual conversations about dating and relationships, especially among younger adults (teens to 30s/40s).
- Avoid in formal settings.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners might think it's only about negative feelings. Clarify it specifically refers to developing romantic/strong emotional attachment, often unexpectedly.
Examples
- We were just supposed to be friends with benefits, but I think I'm starting to catch feelings.
- Be careful spending so much time with him; you might catch feelings.
- Oh no, I think he caught feelings for his roommate.
Dialogue
Chloe: How are things going with Ben? You guys still just casually seeing each other?
Zoe: Mostly... but it's getting complicated. I didn't want to, but I think I'm catching feelings.
Chloe: Oh really? Does he know?
Zoe: No! And I don't know if he feels the same way. I don't want to ruin things.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Worst timing ever to catch feelings for my best friend. Send help. 😩 #complicated #love
- TikTok Video caption: POV: You promised yourself you wouldn't catch feelings this summer... and failed miserably.
- Instagram Story Poll: Started catching feelings for my FWB... Should I tell them? YES / NO
Response Patterns
- Concern/Warning: Oh no, really? / That could get complicated. / Are you sure?
- Question: For who? / What kind of feelings? / What are you going to do?
- Shared Experience/Advice: Yeah, that happens. / You need to figure out what you want.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they (or someone else) caught feelings:
- Ask for confirmation or details: Seriously? For [person's name]?
- Discuss the implications: What does this mean for your arrangement/friendship?
- Offer advice or emotional support: Talk to them about it. or Be careful, that could lead to heartbreak.
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes a personal emotional development, usually shared with close friends or discovered about someone else.
Intonation
- Stress usually falls on catch and feelings.
- Often said with a tone of surprise, concern, realization, or sometimes excitement/trepidation. Uh oh, I think I'm CATCHing FEELings.
Generation Differences
- Most common among Millennials and Gen Z. Older generations might use develop feelings or fall for someone.
Regional Variations
- Widely used in American English and increasingly common in other English-speaking regions due to online/media influence.