incel

[ in-sel ]

noun

1. a member of an online subculture of men who want to have sex but are unable to find sexual partners, typically blaming women or hating people who are sexually successful (often used attributively):

   Perhaps unsurprisingly, contemplation and discussion of suicide features prominently on incel forums.

Word History and Origins

Origin of incel¹

First recorded in 1990–95; earlier INVCEL, short for involuntarily celibate

Example Sentences

The escalation from pathetic incel to pathetic, murderous incel is an expected leap, but "Companion" raises questions to the audience on the way about the role technology plays in our daily lives and the social gaps it both can, and cannot, fill.

From Salon

The government has recently published specific guidance for secondary teachers on how to deal with pupils showing signs of extreme misogyny in the classroom, particularly around incel culture.

From BBC

In the show, Jamie and his peers use language associated with the "manosphere" – websites and online forums promoting misogyny and opposition to feminism – and incel culture.

From BBC

Perhaps surprisingly, "incel" wasn't a familiar term to Ben, and his dad Martin had to explain it as they watched the programme.

From BBC

"People just call each other 'virgins'. I've not heard 'incel' before," Ben tells his parents.

From BBC