thirst trap

plural thirst traps

1. InternetA nonpornographic but sexually suggestive selfie or video posted on social media in order to elicit compliments or arouse thirst (sexual lust).First known use 2010s

   You won't have to post thirst-trap selfies or passive-aggressive quotes on social media to get his attention.

   2021, Mandy Hale, Don't Believe the Swipe: Finding Love without Losing Yourself, Baker Books, →ISBN

   5 more examples

   If you are successful, the person you are targeting will be tempted to comment. Might even actually comment. Might even “slide into your DMs.” If so, you have pulled off your very own thirst trap.

   2017 December 21, Valeriya Safronova, “Instagram Is Now a Dating Platform, Too. Here’s How It Works.”, in The New York Times, →ISSN

   Posting a thirst trap is a great way to rake in a lot of likes on a photo. But as many Instagrammers have found, it’s also a great way to try and get out the vote.

   2018 November 6, Taylor Lorenz, “The Voting-Sticker Thirst Trap Is Here”, in The Atlantic, retrieved 13 Jan 2023

   In the lockdown era, however, thirst traps and nudes are not only making a glorious, unrepentant comeback, but are now a form of emboldened agency in Gen Z’s blossoming sexual liberation.

   2020 April 20, Ciara Gaffney, “Sex during lockdown: are we witnessing a cybersexual revolution?”, in The Guardian

   “Me. You can't put up a thirst trap with someone else in the background.” “Thirst trap?” Pen reached over and scooped the phone out of my hand. “A sexy selfie. You catch someone's eye and make them salivate over how hot you are.”

   2021, Tagan Shepard, Swipe Right, Bella Books, →ISBN

   Why post a thirst trap? The reasons include seeking attention, temporarily pumping up self-esteem, adding new followers, wanting a catharsis during a stressful time, or promoting personal branding.

   2022, Brian Boxer Wachler, Influenced: The Impact of Social Media on Our Perception, Bloomsbury, →ISBN, page 132