“Swipe right” is a phrase you might hear often, especially in the context of dating apps where it indicates interest in someone. This article explains what “swipe right” means by exploring its origin and usage.
You’ll find examples that show how “swipe right” works in different scenarios, and alternative ways to express the same idea. This gives you a fuller perspective on using the term effectively in everyday language.
Swipe Right Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- “Swipe right” means to show interest, approval, or attraction, originating from dating apps where swiping right indicates liking a profile.
What Does “Swipe Right” Mean?
“Swipe right” means to show interest, approval, or attraction toward something or someone. In everyday conversation, it can be used to express positive interest in various contexts.
For example:
- “I really liked the apartment listing, so I swiped right on it.”
Origin of this Phrase
This is a more recently accepted idiom. In 2012, the popular dating app Tinder was released to the public and requires its users to swipe right for people they are interested in meeting and swipe left for those they are not interested in meeting. Since 2012, the phrase “swipe right” has been used as a popular slang term to show approval of something or someone.
Usage of “Swipe Right”
Here are examples of how “swipe right” can be used:
- In a dating app context:
- “I liked her profile, so I swiped right.”
- In casual conversation to show approval:
- “That new restaurant looks great. Definitely swiping right on that!”
- Referring to accepting an offer or opportunity:
- “The job offer was perfect, so I swiped right immediately.”
- In social situations:
- “He seems nice and funny, I’d totally swipe right on him.”
In all these cases, “swipe right” is used to express interest or approval.
Related Terms to “Swipe Right”
- “Say yes” – To agree or show approval.
- “Give the green light” – To approve or go ahead with something.
- “Thumbs up“ – A gesture or phrase indicating approval or acceptance.
- “Go for it” – To take action or show enthusiasm for something.
- “Approve” – To give consent or show favor.
- “Accept” – To agree to take something or express approval.
- “Give it a nod” – To show approval or agreement.
- “Sign off on” – To formally approve something.
- “Give the okay” – To express agreement or acceptance.
- “Take a chance” – To show interest by pursuing an opportunity or person.
Other Ways to Say “Swipe Right”
Like all idiomatic phrases, the phrase “swipe right” has many other ways you can say it instead and convey the same message.
Other ways you can say this phrase include:
- I would accept
- I completely agree
- I would do that
“Swipe Right” Examples
Examples in Statements
A statement in a newspaper article in response to whether a local mayor would accept the new law or not.
- “When asked how he felt about the proposal of the new law, Mayor Pete said that he would swipe right.”
A statement made by a critic about a recent movie she had seen.
- “This movie is so good. It is worthy of a swipe right.”
Examples in Conversations
A conversation between two friends about a boy at school.
- Friend 1: Did John ask you out yet?
- Friend 2: Yes, he did yesterday.
- Friend 1: What did you say?
- Friend 2: I told him I was thinking about it.
- Friend 1: What is there to think about? You should swipe right!
A conversation between two co-workers regarding a recent job proposal.
- Co-worker 1: Did you go to that job interview the other day?
- Co-worker 2: I did, and they offered me the job on the spot!
- Co-worker 1: Wow! So when are you leaving?
- Co-worker 2: I told them I would think about it.
- Co-worker 1: What do you need to think about? I thought you said the job was great!
- Co-worker 2: Well, the pay is more than what I am making now, but the benefits are less.
- Co-worker 1: True, but it’s an opportunity you may not be offered again. I would swipe right.