Ghosting

Ghosting (noun / verb / dating slang)

(Also heard as: Ghosted, Ghost, To pull a ghost)

Definition: Suddenly cutting off all communication with someone you’re dating, chatting to, or working with—vanishing into thin air with zero warning, explanation, or reply.

Pronunciation: /ˈɡəʊ.stɪŋ/

Where It Comes From: Before smartphones, “ghosting” meant slipping out of a house party without saying goodbye to the host so you didn’t have to get stuck in twenty awkward farewell chats (also known as the “Irish goodbye” or “French exit”).

How People Actually Use It: It’s the ultimate modern dating horror story, though it happens in the job market now too.

You feel the sting of it when you go on two great dates, text back and forth all week, and then suddenly your messages don’t get answered, calls go straight to voicemail, and their profile picture disappears.

People also use it when an employer does three rounds of interviews and then never emails you back to let you know you didn’t get the job.

Examples in the Wild:

• “We went out for drinks three times, had a laugh, and then she completely ghosted me.”

  Translation: “We had multiple great dates, and then she suddenly stopped replying to all my messages.”

• “I did a two-hour trial shift for that coffee shop and the manager just ghosted.”

  Translation: “I completed work for an employer and they vanished without giving any feedback or pay.”

• “If you don’t fancy him, just tell him straight instead of ghosting the poor lad.”

  Translation: “Be honest that you aren’t interested rather than ignoring his texts entirely.”

Similar Slang: Left on read, Soft ghosting, Caspering, Bread Crumbing, Irish exit, Disappearing act