A "pick me girl" is a term used to describe a girl or woman who seeks male attention and validation by presenting herself as different from-and often superior to-other women. She often disparages other women to gain approval from men, emphasizing that she is "not like other girls" and aligning her interests and opinions to appeal to male preferences. This behavior can manifest in various ways, such as favoring hobbies stereotypically associated with men (like sports or video games), dismissing traditionally feminine interests, or adopting anti-feminist views. The pick me girl often puts down other women, showing little respect or solidarity with them, aiming to be "picked" or chosen by men over other women
. The term originated on social media around 2016, initially mocking women who branded themselves as "wifey material" or who highlighted traditionally feminine virtues to attract men. Over time, it evolved to describe women who reject typical female behaviors to gain male approval. The hashtag #pickmegirl has become widely popular on platforms like TikTok, with billions of views and many parody videos highlighting this behavior
. Psychologically, this behavior is linked to insecurity, low self-esteem, and competition among women, as explained by experts in relationships and communication
. The pick me girl trope reflects internalized misogyny and the desire to be accepted or loved, sometimes at the expense of other women and even herself
. In summary, a pick me girl is a woman who tries to stand out by distancing herself from other women and seeking male validation, often through dismissive or competitive behavior toward other females.
