Contents
Chances are that you have been “ghosted” at least once before at some point in your life. If you were led here with the desire to know what this slang term means, then your search is now complete.
Here you will not only locate this term’s meaning, but you will also uncover some facts about its origin, usage, and some related terms. You will also find some examples that use the term correctly in context and some alternative ways to say the same thing instead of using this specific term.
Ghosted Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- “Ghosted” means someone abruptly cuts off all communication without explanation, often in dating or friendships, leaving the other person without closure.
What Does Ghosted Mean?
“Ghosted” is a slang term that means someone has suddenly cut off all communication without warning or explanation. This typically happens in dating or friendships, where one person stops responding to messages, calls, or social media interactions, leaving the other person confused or wondering what happened.
For example:
- “I thought things were going well, but then he ghosted me.”
In general, being “ghosted” can feel hurtful, as it leaves the person with no closure or understanding of why the other person disappeared. It’s often seen as an impersonal and indirect way to end a connection.
Origin of Ghosted
The term “ghosted” originated in or around the year 2006. With the rise in social media and apps to meet people and begin online relationships, the phrase grew in popularity and notoriety. The term reached its peak popularity between 2011 and 2016 when it was used to describe many relationship stories, including those of celebrities.
Usage of “Ghosted”
In Dating:
- When someone suddenly stops communicating, ending the relationship without explanation.
- “We went on three dates, and everything seemed great. Then he just ghosted me!”
In Friendships:
- When a friend suddenly cuts off contact, often leaving the other person confused.
- “I thought we were close, but she ghosted me after I moved away.”
In Professional Settings:
- When a company or potential employer stops responding after showing initial interest, leaving the person hanging.
- “I was interviewing for a job, and after the second interview, they ghosted me—no response to my follow-up emails.”
In Social Media:
- When someone stops engaging with another person’s social media without explanation, usually after regular interaction.
- “She used to like all my posts, but lately she’s totally ghosted me on Instagram.”
In Texting or Online Communication:
- When someone stops replying to texts or messages without warning or closure.
- “We were texting every day, but then he ghosted me out of nowhere.”
Related Terms to “Ghosted”
- Benching: Keeping someone interested but not fully committing, usually by checking in occasionally without progressing the relationship.
- Breadcrumbing: Sending minimal communication or flirting to keep someone interested without any intention of forming a serious relationship.
- Haunting: When someone who has ghosted you starts interacting with your social media posts (like viewing stories or liking photos) without direct communication.
- Zombie-ing: When someone who ghosted you unexpectedly returns, often with no explanation.
- Orbiting: Staying in someone’s social media “orbit” (viewing stories, liking posts) without directly engaging, often after ghosting.
- Slow Fading: Gradually reducing communication to end a relationship or connection slowly instead of abruptly.
- Cushioning: Keeping someone else in mind or as a backup while in a primary relationship, often by flirting or maintaining casual communication.
- Caspering: A kinder form of ghosting, where someone gently lets the other person know they’re not interested before disappearing.
- Phubbing: Ignoring someone in favor of your phone, often making them feel neglected or overlooked.
- Gatsbying: Posting things on social media solely to get a specific person’s attention.
Alternatives for “Ghosted”
There are several alternatives that could be used instead of “ghosted” to say the same thing. Some alternatives include:
- disappear without a trace
- disappear with no warning
- fall off the face of the earth with no trace
Examples of “Ghosted”
A discussion between two people that know each other well:
- Friend 1: Matt was torn up today. His eyes were all puffy. I think I saw him cry every five minutes.
- Friend 2: I know. He is upset about his online girlfriend Patty. She has ghosted him. She just stopped messaging and stopped responding.
Online discussion between two Facebook users:
- User 1: Hey there stranger!
- User 2: Well hey there yourself. I thought you had ghosted me. I haven’t seen you online or heard from you in weeks.
- User 1: No, I wouldn’t have ghosted you. My computer took a crap on me and I have been unable to get another one until last night.
- User 2: Good to see you back!
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