- The practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication.
- Typically used in the context of dating or friendships.
Explanation
Origin
- The term ghosting surged in popularity around 2014-2015, heavily associated with the rise of online dating apps (like Tinder, Bumble) and digital communication.
- While the behavior itself isn't new, the term crystallised the experience in the digital age where ending communication can be as simple as unmatching, blocking, or just not replying to messages.
- It implies a sudden disappearance, like a ghost.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Ditched me / Bailed on me (Can apply, but usually implies cancelling plans rather than ending contact)
- Curved me (AAVE/Slang Rejected or ignored someone, often romantically)
- Left me on read/Left me on delivered (Refers specifically to message status, a component of ghosting)
Milder/Standard:
- Stopped responding
- Cut off contact
- Became unresponsive
More Direct/Harsh (Describing the act):
- Abruptly ended communication
- Cut ties without explanation
Situational Appropriateness
- Mostly informal, common in discussions about dating and relationships.
- Understood in most casual contexts.
- Might be used cautiously in a professional context if discussing unreliable contacts, but the term carries personal relationship baggage (e.g., The potential client seems to have ghosted us).
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Could be confused with actual ghosts or supernatural phenomena if the context isn't clear (though unlikely in typical conversation).
- The severity isn't always conveyed; sometimes used lightly, sometimes describes a deeply hurtful experience.
Examples
- I thought the date went well, but then he totally ghosted me.
- She stopped replying to my texts; I think I've been ghosted.
- Ghosting someone is a really immature way to end things.
Dialogue
Chris: Hey, have you heard from Alex lately?
Jamie: Nope, not a word. Sent a text last week, nothing back.
Chris: Seriously? After you guys hung out? Sounds like you got ghosted.
Jamie: Yeah, looks like it. It's pretty lame.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Worst dating trend? Definitely ghosting. Just tell me you're not interested, it's not that hard! 🙄 #dating #ghosting
- Reddit Post (r/relationships): I [25F] think I'm being ghosted by my friend [26M] of 3 years. What should I do?
- Instagram Story Poll: Have you ever ghosted someone? YES / NO (no judgment!)
Response Patterns
- Sympathy/Empathy: Oh no, that's awful! / I'm sorry that happened to you. / That sucks.
- Shared Experience: Ugh, I've been ghosted before, it's the worst.
- Condemnation of the act: That's so rude. / Why do people do that?
- Seeking clarification (if appropriate): Were there any signs? / Did anything happen before that?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone reveals they were ghosted:
- Offer support: Are you okay? / How are you feeling about it?
- Ask about the context (gently): How long had you been talking/dating?
- Discuss next steps: Are you going to try and reach out again? (Often advised against) / Time to move on, I guess.
After discussing the act of ghosting generally:
- Debate reasons: Why do you think people ghost?
- Share personal policies: I would never ghost someone; I think it's better to be direct.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Usually comes up when discussing dating experiences, friendships ending, or rude behavior.
Intonation
- When used as a verb (ghosted), the stress is usually on ghost.
- Often said with a tone of disbelief, frustration, or annoyance. He completely GHOSTED me.
Generation Differences
- Very common among Millennials and Gen Z, particularly those active in online dating.
- Older generations might understand the concept but may use different phrasing like cut me off or stopped calling.
Regional Variations
- Widely understood in most English-speaking regions due to shared online culture.