Definition of «girlboss»

This phrase is a satirical, ironic summary of toxic corporate feminism and performative empowerment culture. It mocks the tendency of some to use buzzwords like 'girlboss' to mask manipulative or exclusionary behaviors in professional and social settings. The term is often used to critique individuals who claim to support women while simultaneously engaging in competitive or harmful practices.

Originally coined to empower women in business, this term has evolved into a complex cultural meme that can be used both sincerely and ironically. It refers to a woman who is successful, ambitious, and in control of her professional life, often while maintaining a specific aesthetic. Recently, it is frequently used sarcastically to critique the intersection of feminism and hustle culture or to mock performative empowerment.

This parodic triad of verbs satirizes the 'girlboss' feminism of the 2010s by combining it with toxic behaviors. It is used ironically to describe a lifestyle or a set of actions that are manipulative or exclusionary under the guise of empowerment. The phrase is often used as a joke to celebrate 'toxic' feminine energy in a campy or self-aware manner.