Alpha and beta male

Alpha male and beta male are terms for men derived from the designations of alpha and beta animals in ethology. They may also be used with other genders, such as women, or additionally use other letters of the Greek alphabet (such as sigma). The popularization of these terms to describe humans has been widely criticized by scientists.^[1][2]

Both terms have been frequently used in internet memes.^[3] The term beta is used as a pejorative self-identifier among some members of the manosphere, particularly incels, who do not believe they are assertive and/or traditionally masculine, and feel overlooked by women.^[4][5] It is also used to negatively describe other men who are not deemed to be assertive, particularly with women.^[3][6]

In internet culture, the term sigma male is also frequently used, gaining popularity in the late 2010s, but has since been used jokingly, often being used with incel.