Good Morning.
Your son just walked into the room, squinted his eyes, pursed his lips, and refused to answer your question. Then he whispered, "I'm a Sigma." Is he joining a gang? Is he in a cult?
No. He is just trying to be cool.
The Signal: "Sigma"
(Related terms: Patrick Bateman, Gigachad, Mewing)
What is it?
"Sigma" is internet slang for a "Lone Wolf." In the weird hierarchy of boys, an Alpha is the loud leader. A Beta is a follower. A Sigma is the "cool loner" who doesn't play by the rules, is successful, but stays quiet.
Where does it come from?
It originated in fringe men's forums but was turned into a meme by TikTok. Kids post videos of "Sigma Faces" (usually Christian Bale from American Psycho) to represent being tough and emotionless.
How should I think about it?
James Bond or The Fonz. It is the archetype of the "Strong, Silent Type." For a 10-year-old boy who feels awkward or shy, the "Sigma" label is comforting. It re-frames his social anxiety as "cool independence."
The Playbook
The Trap to avoid: Googling it and panicking. If you Google "Sigma Male," you will find some toxic adult content about misogyny. However, 90% of 10-year-olds don't know that side of it. To them, it just means "Cool Loner Face." Don't lecture them on politics they don't understand yet.
The Moves to consider: The "Cringe" Test. The Sigma trend takes itself very seriously. Your best weapon is humour. Deflating the "coolness" works better than banning the word.
Try this: (If he does the Sigma Face) "You look like you are trying to hold in a sneeze?
Go Deeper
Listen: Audio Guide to Gen Alpha Slang
Until next time.
-The Alpha Beat Team
Feel free to forward this to someone whose son is practising an emotionless face in the mirror.