Thirst trap - meaning and definition
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Definition
A flattering or suggestive photo posted to attract attention, compliments or interest from potential admirers.
At a glance
- A flattering or suggestive photo posted to attract attention or compliments.
- Typical examples are gym selfies or carefully lit portraits.
- 'Thirsty' describes someone who seems eager for attention or a date.
- Posting one does not invite unwanted or explicit messages.
In detail
A thirst trap is a post designed to draw a reaction, often a gym selfie, a carefully lit portrait or a photo showing some skin. "Thirsty" describes someone who seems eager for attention or a date.
The term is usually playful. Posting one does not invite unwanted messages or explicit replies; the person posting still decides who they engage with.
In a sentence
- That beach photo is a total thirst trap and you know it.
- Posted a thirst trap, got three likes and a message from my aunt.
Where the word comes from
Thirst trap became common on social media in the 2010s, building on the older slang use of 'thirsty' to mean eager for attention or affection.
Not to be confused with
- Kittenfishing
Kittenfishing is presenting a misleadingly flattering version of yourself; a thirst trap is simply attention-seeking.
Common questions
Is posting a thirst trap a bad thing?
Not in itself. It is usually playful self-expression. What matters is that the person posting still chooses who they engage with, and nobody is entitled to their attention because of a photo.