noun

thirst trap

THURST trap

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Thirst trap (noun) means a photo or video posted online that is deliberately sexy, intended to attract attention, compliments and desire from viewers. Example: “He posted a gym mirror thirst trap and pretended it was about the new lighting.”

noun

slang A photo or video posted online that is deliberately sexy, intended to attract attention, compliments and desire from viewers.

"He posted a gym mirror thirst trap and pretended it was about the new lighting."

"Her whole feed is holiday snaps and the occasional thirst trap."

slang The person who posts such content, or anything used as bait for that kind of attention.

"That caption is pure thirst trap."

verb

slang To post deliberately sexy content online in order to attract attention.

"She's been thirst trapping all week since the breakup."

How to use thirst trap

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA sexy photo posted online to fish for attention and compliments.

When to use it

Informal social media slang, usually light-hearted and often self-aware. Frequently applied to one's own posts as a joke.

Memory tip

The trap is the post, not the viewer. Someone who reacts eagerly to it is called thirsty.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

clickbait → selfie → thirsty →

Common pairings

post a thirst trap gym thirst trap a shameless thirst trap

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “thirst trap” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He posted a gym mirror _____ and pretended it was about the new lighting.

Etymology

A compound of trap and the slang sense of thirsty, meaning desperate for attention or sex.

Origin: English

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a thirst trap and a selfie?

A selfie is simply a photo you take of yourself, with no particular intent. A thirst trap is a photo posted specifically to look attractive and provoke a reaction — it is defined by the motive, not the camera angle.

What does thirsty mean in this context?

Thirsty is slang for being visibly desperate for attention, validation or sex. A thirst trap is bait laid for thirsty viewers, so the two terms describe the two sides of the same exchange.

What is the meaning of thirst trap?

"thirst trap" (noun) means a photo or video posted online that is deliberately sexy, intended to attract attention, compliments and desire from viewers.

What are the different meanings of thirst trap?

"thirst trap" has 3 main meanings: 1. A photo or video posted online that is deliberately sexy, intended to attract attention, compliments and desire from viewers; 2. The person who posts such content, or anything used as bait for that kind of attention; 3. To post deliberately sexy content online in order to attract attention.