The internet culture of the past years introduced a multitude of new slang words which develop rather rapidly and tend to have multiple meanings. Sigma is one of such terms that has attracted a lot of attention recently. You may or may not have heard the term Sigma mentioned in memes or passed around social media or in online forums, but the word is tossed around quite a bit, so what is sigma meaning slang. This article shall decrypt the word meaning of Sigma in the jargon, identify its origin, and get to understand how it is currently used.

The concept of Sigma as a personality type drives out of the theory of the social hierarchy that has been widely popularized online alongside another term, Alpha, and Beta. However, in their original meaning, these Greek letters explain social dominance:

Alpha: The dominant person is the leader.

Beta: The follower/the subordinate.

However, it is not the same with Sigma. It refers to a person who is not of the ordinary hierarchy in any way, an outsider who does not follow any rules. That is to say that a Sigma male (or female) is a person who follows his/her own way and does not care about position and approval.

The Meaning of Sigma as a Slang.

A person who has these qualities e.g. independence, self-reliance, confidence, and being an individual, was known as Sigma in slang terms. A Sigma does not share many of the features of an Alpha who leads a group, or a Beta who is a follower, but they frequently live alone or beyond the boundaries of the social layout. They do not look to be accepted, and they also do not fit into the demands of society.

The following lists some general traits of the Sigma archetype:

Loner by Choice Sigmas usually do not feel that they need to have people on their side all the time and prefer spending time off.

Calm Confidence: They are not boastful and do not want to monopolize over talks.

Nonconformist: Sigmas do not obey society, and they are not influenced by peer pressure, creating their individual ways.

Mysterious Aura: Sigmas may appear as a mystery since they are mostly to themselves.

Strategic Thinkers: These can be found to be very contemplative and tactical, and appreciate efficiency and depth rather than superficiality.

Due to such features, the name of Sigma has become quite popular as a positive name to those who prioritize independence and self-direction.

The Difference Between Sigma Male and Alpha Male.

The concept of Sigma male also developed because the existing Alpha-Beta contrast was not good enough, and many individuals considered it too confining and stereotypical. Although the Alpha males are described as leaders who are dominant, extroverted individuals who succeed in social environments, Sigma males are described as equally powerful individuals who are introverted and self-sufficient.

The focus here is the fact that Sigmas are not hungry for either leading or dominating the social surroundings; instead, they do perfectly on their own and in their own way. Such a difference has ensured that this archetype of Sigma has been attractive to most people who are unable to fit into normal societal hierarchies.

What Is Popular Culture and Social Media Use of Sigma?

Sigma is also used lightly or aspirationally on social media (TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram). Sigma grindset or sigma vibe are memes that boast of the attitude of working quietly and according to the principles of oneself. In some instances, it is ironically applied in order to mock the people who take the label too seriously.

You may also come across the use of the word Sigma when it comes to dating or lifestyle, but it is a person who is easy on the eyes not because he/she is oozing with ostentatious confidence, but rather, he/she is composed of quiet and true assurance.

Negative and Misconceptions of Sigma

As is the case with most slang terms, Sigma is criticized. There is an opinion that Sigma archetype is a simplified stereotype and that we can misunderstand the complex personality with harsh labels. Other people have claimed that the word can be hijacked to claim a right to do antisocial or uncooperative actions and call it independence.

It should also be noted that in real life, human personalities are versatile and dynamic majority of individuals do not perfectly conform to any category, Alpha, Beta, Sigma, and so on.

Final Thoughts

A contemporary cultural interest in autonomy, individuality, and nonconformity is what the slang term Sigma envelops. Considering it either a liberating identifier or a mere internet slang, the meaning helps to make sense of a certain online social language. The essence of it all is the fact that Sigma lauds the individual who makes his/her own decisions, nonchalantly, without needing to avoid the limelight.

The next time you hear of a person being called a Sigma, you will get to know that the person is not another Alpha or Beta but someone who thinks to his or her tune.