The slang termChad has historically been applied in different contexts. It originated in the UK, where it was used to describe a particular humorous ad-hoc cartoon.[1] Later, it was employed inChicago as a derogatory description for young, upper-class, urban males.[2] In moderninternet slang, the term generally refers to an "alpha"[3] or simply a sexually successful male.[4]
The slang term "Chad" originated in the UK duringWorld War II and was employed in a similar humorous manner asKilroy was here.[1] It later came into use inChicago[2] as a derogatory way to describe a young, wealthy man from the city's northern suburbs, typically single and in his twenties or early thirties.[2] Chicago's Chads were covered by asatirical website dedicated to the Lincoln Park Chad Society, a fictionalsocial club based in the city's upscaleLincoln Park neighborhood.[5]
The term became a viralmeme in the 2010s after appearing on the online messaging board4chan under the name "Chad Thundercock".[6] Chad is described as a heterosexual, White male, usually blond-haired,[7][8] who is gainfully employed, athletic, sexually active, andwell-endowed.[9]
The term has come into use inincel forums and as internet slang to refer to sexually active, genetically superior men, or "alpha males".[10] Within the manosphere and internet culture, Chads are generally viewed as constituting the topdecile in terms ofgenetic fitness.[11] In online animation drawings in the manosphere, a Chad is often depicted as a muscular blond man with very pronounced masculine features. One such depiction, in the "Virgin vs. Chad"internet meme that originated from the /r9k/ board on4chan in 2017, contrasts an introverted and insecure "Virgin" who acts normal, compared to a muscular and egotistical "Chad" who acts absurdly and over the top.[12]
Chads are sometimes portrayed as the opposite to "omega" or"beta" males, and as physically attractive. The term Chad is sometimes used interchangeably with "slayer".[13] Due to their characterization as being genetically gifted and privileged—though sometimes depicted as shallow, air-headed, arrogant, and overtly sexual[14]—the term Chad is used in both a pejorative and complimentary way on incel forums and on the internet as a whole.[15][16]
The female counterpart to a Chad, in slang, is a "Stacy",[17][18][19][20] or previously, the "Trixie".[21]
"Gigachad" is a related internet meme that uses black-and-white photographs of a muscular male model. It is used to assert one's opinion as correct, without providing evidence or reasoning.[22]
But there are terms within this Chi-alect that are specific to the North and South Sides.
The categories of "Virgo" and "Chad" emerged in 2016 from the publication of a meme on the social network 4chan. These names designate two stereotypical profiles of people or groups based on the +/- virility trait: the Chad or alpha male, heterosexual, white, attractive and popular; and his counterpart the Virgo or beta male.
Chad Thundercock or Nordic Gamer, is a memeable character sketch based on a drawing of a very stereotypically masculine man who gets with a lot of women and is tough and stoic. Square jawed, usually blond haired, muscular, and well-endowed.
...the archetypal sexually active, athletic, gainfully employed white male, dubbed "Chads"...
