The Odd Word That’s Everywhere On TikTok: Sigma

Readers who took multiple math classes in high school may be familiar with the Greek letter sigma (∑). It’s used to represent the sum of multiple numbers, while a lower-case sigma (σ) represents a “standard deviation” in the discipline of statistics.

It’s highly unlikely, though, that any TikTok user is talking about sums or standard deviations when they use the word sigma on the social media platform.

Instead, they’re utilizing a loosely-defined slang term that’s become ubiquitous in modern teenage conversations, as any parent with kids in middle or high school is very well aware.

Here’s the story on sigma.

What Sigma Means on TikTok

More than half of all TikTok accounts belong to people between the ages of 18 and 34, with 25% of US users said to be teens. Those demographics mean that any term that’s common among Gen A and Gen Z will be used regularly on the app. Sigma may be the one you’ll see and hear most in TikTok posts and comments.

Despite the 21st-century focus on equality and inclusion seen on most social apps, “sigma” is usually used to describe males. It’s somewhat equivalent to the more widely used phrase “Alpha male,” which is said to describe the assertive, dominant leader of a group.

However, sigmas are defined as less assertive and more independent. They lead by example, often apart from an existing social structure, and they’re less concerned about trying to climb the social ladder. Instead, their intelligence, self-reliance, and often non-conformist approach to life sets them apart as a natural and charismatic leader.

When teens use “sigma” to describe their character traits (the term can also describe others), they’re generally saying that they’re successful but cool and even rebellious. More commonly, though, TikTok users just use the word to refer to being “the best” at something.

They might say “I’m so sigma” after accomplishing a goal, or simply call a TikTok video or song they’ve just watched or heard “sigma.” It’s even used in terms that have nothing to do with the term’s supposed meaning; it can be a replacement for “hell” in the commonly-used phrase “what the sigma?” or as a generic derogatory term like “yeah, that was so sigma.”

In short, the next time you see “sigma” used in TikTok content, don’t worry if you understand it. The person who used it probably doesn’t understand it, either.