- Confusing or contradictory messages, actions, or behaviors from someone, especially regarding their romantic interest or intentions.
- One action suggests interest, while another suggests disinterest, leaving the recipient unsure of the person's true feelings.
Explanation
Origin
- Comes from the idea of communication signals (like radio signals or traffic lights) being unclear, distorted, or contradictory (mixed).
- Applied to human interaction, it means the 'signals' of interest, intention, or feeling being sent are inconsistent, making them difficult to interpret correctly. Popularized in discussions about dating and relationships.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Playing games (suggests intentional manipulation)
- Jerking me around (implies intentionally causing confusion/wasting time)
- Being flaky (if inconsistency involves cancelling plans)
- Don't know if they're into me or not.
Milder:
- Being inconsistent
- Hard to read
- Ambiguous behavior
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal. Common in conversations about dating, relationships, and sometimes unclear communication in friendships or even early-stage professional interactions (though less common there).
- Avoid in highly formal contexts.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners should grasp that it's about contradictory messages regarding *intentions* or *feelings*, not just random confusing statements. It specifically implies ambiguity about someone's interest or stance, usually romantic.
Examples
- One minute he seems really interested, the next he's distant. I'm getting such mixed signals.
- Her mixed signals are driving me crazy; I don't know if she likes me or not.
- Are you flirting or just being friendly? Stop sending mixed signals!
Dialogue
Anna: How are things with Leo? Did you go on that second date?
Beth: No... it's weird. He texts me all the time and seems keen, but then he canceled our date last minute with a lame excuse.
Anna: Hmm, sounds like mixed signals. That's frustrating.
Beth: Tell me about it! I have no idea where I stand.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: This guy's mixed signals are giving me whiplash. One day flirting, next day ignoring my DMs. What gives?! 🤷♀️ #dating #confused
- Reddit Post (r/dating_advice): Help interpreting these mixed signals! Does she like me or is she just being friendly?
- Instagram Poll: Getting mixed signals... Should I confront them? YES / NO
Response Patterns
- Sympathy/Agreement: Yeah, that's really confusing. / I hate when people do that.
- Question: Like what? What kind of signals? / What makes you think they're mixed?
- Advice: Maybe you should just ask them directly? / Perhaps they're confused themselves. / Be careful, it might be game-playing.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone complains about mixed signals:
- Ask for specific examples: What has he/she been doing?
- Discuss possible interpretations: Maybe they're shy? or Maybe they're not sure themselves?
- Suggest a course of action: Why don't you try talking to them about it? or Maybe just pull back a bit and see what happens?
Conversation Starter
- No. Used to describe a confusing situation, usually when seeking advice or venting frustration.
Intonation
- Emphasis often on mixed signals.
- Usually said with confusion, frustration, or exasperation. I'm getting totally MIXED SIGnals from her.
Generation Differences
- Very common across generations involved in modern dating, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, but understood by older generations too.
Regional Variations
- Widely used in all major English-speaking regions.