Gatekeep

Gatekeep (verb / Internet Slang)

(Also heard as: Gatekeeping, Gatekeeper, Gatekeep, gaslight, girlboss)

Definition:

Gatekeep means to keep something to yourself so that other people cannot access or enjoy it. It might be a secret recipe, a favourite restaurant, a band or a piece of information. In its older sense, it means deciding who is allowed into a group or community.

Where Gatekeep Comes From:

The word comes from the idea of a gatekeeper who controls who passes through a gate. It was used in academic and community settings for decades, and then took on a playful meaning online in the 2010s. The phrase “gatekeep, gaslight, girlboss” became a popular meme around 2021 and helped it spread.

How People Actually Use Gatekeep:

Friends use it to tease each other: “you are gatekeeping that pizza place, tell me where it is”. In a more serious sense, it describes people who unfairly decide who counts as a “real fan” of something. The playful sense is far more common.

Is Gatekeep Always Negative?

No. When people say “I am gatekeeping this café”, it is usually a joke. The serious meaning is more negative.

Examples in the Wild:

• “Stop gatekeeping the best chippy in town.”

  Meaning: Please share the name of the place.

• “I am gatekeeping my playlist.”

  Meaning: I am keeping it private on purpose.

• “Do not gatekeep music, let everyone enjoy it.”

  Meaning: Do not claim who is allowed to be a fan.

Similar Slang:

Gaslighting, Snitch, Lurker, Larp, Chippy, Hater

🛍 Shop on eBay › (affiliate)