BROFLAKE

What Does Broflake Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

Broflake means "Hypersensitive White Male."

More Details

What is a Broflake?

Broflake is a slang term used to describe a man, typically with a hyper-masculine or conservative worldview, who reacts with hypersensitivity to viewpoints, comments, or situations that challenge his beliefs or sense of identity. The term is a play on the word snowflake, which is often used pejoratively to describe people, especially progressives or younger people, who are perceived as overly sensitive to criticism. Broflake specifically targets men who exhibit this sensitivity while ironically accusing others of being fragile or easily offended.

Origins and Context

The word broflake combines bro (a casual term for men, often associated with a macho or fraternity culture) and snowflake. It emerged from online culture, particularly in the mid-to-late 2010s, as social and political tensions were rising and terms like snowflake was frequently being used. Broflake became a humorous and critical response aimed at men who disparage others for being sensitive, while paradoxically reacting in the same way to perceived challenges to their own beliefs.

The origins of the term are rooted in social media and meme culture, where debates about social justice, gender equality, and political correctness became common, and accusations of sensitivity were thrown in both directions. Broflake was coined as a way to highlight the contradiction of individuals who advocate for resilience and strength, while showing low tolerance for criticism or alternative viewpoints.

Characteristics of a Broflake

Broflakes typically exhibit certain behaviors, such as:

• Frequent Outrage: Displaying exaggerated outrage over issues like social justice movements, gender equality, or criticism of traditional masculinity.
• Anti-PC Stance: Claiming to reject "political correctness" while taking offense at criticisms directed toward their viewpoints or values.
• Projection: Accusing others of being overly sensitive or easily triggered, while exhibiting similar reactions to issues they dislike.
• Entitlement: Feeling that traditional values are under attack and reacting strongly to changes in social expectations or norms.

Examples

While broflake is not typically directed at specific individuals, it can apply to certain demographic groups, especially Boomers, and public figures who react strongly and negatively to social change or criticism, often while positioning themselves as tough or antifragile. For instance:

• Elon Musk: Since purchasing Twitter, Musk has established himself as the "Broflake-in-Chief." His outspokenness is accompanied by petulance and a low tolerance for criticism or dissent.
• Piers Morgan: The British TV personality has a history of openly rejecting social movements like gender inclusivity, while frequently responding with a strong emotional reaction to criticisms of his own views.
• Ben Shapiro: Known for his conservative views, Shapiro has a reputation for engaging in debates around gender, race, and cultural change, often reacting with intensity to progressive arguments and social justice perspectives.
• Tucker Carlson: The former Fox News commentator often expressed alarm and outrage over changes in American cultural values, particularly around issues of masculinity, diversity, and progressive policies.

Although it's primarily a humorous label, broflake has been used to draw attention to the double standards in the way some individuals criticize others for behavior they display themselves.

Image for Broflake

Broflakes are easily offended.

Summary of Key Points

Broflake
Definition:	Hypersensitive White Male
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of Broflake in Sentences

• Sam: All lives matter!
• Jordan: You're a broflake.

• Ali: There's a women's rights meeting at the town hall tonight.
• Chris: Oh no! The town will be full of broflakes, complaining about their privileges being eroded.

An Academic Look at Broflake

Example of Broflake Used in a Text

You might also like...