Acronyms dictionary
MGTOW
or Men Going Their Own Way
What does MGTOW mean?
MGTOW is an acronym for “Men Going Their Own Way,” a term and movement that represents men who have chosen to prioritize their own lives and interests over traditional societal expectations, particularly in relation to relationships with women. Adherents of MGTOW advocate for male independence and self-determination, often distancing themselves from marriage, long-term relationships, and what they view as a society biased against men. The movement emphasizes personal freedom, self-sufficiency, and a rejection of traditional gender roles that they believe are unfairly burdensome to men.
Where does MGTOW come from?
The MGTOW movement originated in the early 2000s as an outgrowth of Men’s Rights Activism (MRA) and the Men’s Rights Movement (MRM), which were broader reactions against what some men perceived as the growing influence of feminism and the shifting dynamics in gender relations. Initially, MGTOW was a loosely connected group of individuals who shared their frustrations and ideas online, particularly on the XYZ forum, an MRA message board. The early MGTOW community focused on discussions about the perceived risks of marriage and family law, as well as the societal expectations placed on men.
As the movement grew, it began to take on a more structured ideology, emphasizing the importance of men reclaiming their autonomy and focusing on their personal goals and well-being. The formal foundation of MGTOW was laid during an in-person meeting between users Meiko and Ragnar in Hickory, North Carolina in October of 2004, with the latter writing the manifesto.
The MGTOW philosophy encourages men to avoid long-term relationships, marriage, and cohabitation, which they believe can lead to legal and financial disadvantages. Instead, MGTOW advocates for self-improvement, financial independence, and pursuing hobbies and interests without the influence of traditional relationship dynamics.
The spread of MGTOW has been largely driven by the internet, where communities have formed on platforms like Reddit, YouTube, and various forums. These online spaces allow men to share their experiences, support each other, and discuss strategies for living a MGTOW lifestyle. The movement has also been influenced by other manosphere groups, though it remains distinct in its focus on individualism and self-reliance rather than activism.
Examples of MGTOW
Who uses MGTOW?
When referring to the MGTOW movement, the acronym is often pronounced as “Mig-Tow” instead of pronouncing it letter-by-letter. MGTOW is primarily used by men who are part of the movement of rejecting traditional gender roles, relationships, and societal expectations. The term and movement are most prevalent in online communities, particularly on platforms like Reddit, YouTube, and specialized forums. Users of the term often discuss topics like male independence, self-improvement, and the perceived risks of marriage and long-term relationships. The term is used as a way to connect with others who share similar views and to promote the idea of men living life on their own terms, free from societal pressures.
Note
This is not meant to be a formal definition of MGTOW like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of MGTOW that will help our users expand their word mastery.