Internet
catfishing
What does catfishing mean?
Catfishing is creating a false persona, often with stolen photos and invented details, to lure someone into an online relationship under false pretenses.
"She thought she was dating a model but she'd been catfished for months."
Origin
Coined by the 2010 documentary 'Catfish'; catfish were said to be shipped with cod to keep them active.
Frequently asked questions
What does catfishing mean?
It's deceiving someone online by pretending to be a different person, usually with fake photos and a made-up identity, to pursue a romantic connection.
Where does the term catfishing come from?
It comes from the 2010 documentary 'Catfish', which popularized the term for online romantic deception.
How do you know you're being catfished?
Warning signs include a person who refuses to video chat or meet, has few photos or friends, and keeps making excuses to avoid proving they're real.
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