thirst trap

[ thurst trap ]

noun

, Slang.

1. (on the internet) a social media post, especially a selfie or other photo, intended to elicit sexual attention, appreciation of one’s attractiveness, or other positive feedback (often used attributively): Her Instagram account is a thirst trap of foster kittens and rescue puppies.

   Did you see those thirst trap photos of her post-baby body?

   Her Instagram account is a thirst trap of foster kittens and rescue puppies.

Word History and Origins

Origin of thirst trap¹

First recorded in 2010–15; thirst ( def ) (in the sense “strong desire”) + trap ¹( def )

Example Sentences

I tell Gunning the inclusion of Irn Bru in a thirst trap was a funny moment in a show that is incredibly dark in parts.

From BBC

The “Euphoria” star is the latest to fall into Glen Powell’s thirst trap, taking to the actor’s comments section to weigh in on his steamy Men’s Health cover.

From Los Angeles Times

But it’s got a bigger audience than the average thirst trap—it’s been viewed almost a million times.

From Slate

Thirst trap’s creator, an anonymous Wikipedian with the username LittleT889, even included a “methodology” section.

From Slate

He does more than just thirst trap.

From Slate