What Is the “Soft Guy” Era & Why Are Men Saying “Drizzle Drizzle?”

What is the “soft guy” era?

The “soft guy” era is a trend of men rejecting traditional gender norms. The “soft guy” era is a parody of the “soft girl” era, which went viral in 2023 as a way of defining women who reject the “girl boss” lifestyle and refuse to date men who aren’t financially well off. A “soft guy” describes a man who rejects traditional gender roles, such as being the sole provider in a relationship. Instead, he wants his partner to pamper him and provide for him. On TikTok, men post videos encouraging other men to enter their “soft guy” era. The trend is meant to be a parody of women who have unreasonable demands when it comes to dating and expect men to pay for everything.

Why do men say “drizzle drizzle?”

It’s a parody of the viral TikTok term “sprinkle sprinkle.” According to the creator of the term, YouTube dating coach SheRaSeven, “sprinkle sprinkle” is another way of saying “bless your heart,” “back at you,” or “blessings and abundance to you.” The term became her signature catchphrase when giving financial-related dating advice to girls. For example, she might say, “If a man asks you about your body count, ask him about his bank account. Sprinkle sprinkle.” The term “drizzle drizzle” has been adopted by men in response to the “sprinkle sprinkle” and the “soft girl” era. Men are supporting each other in their “soft guy” eras and making content about how much they believe they bring to the table.

Origins of the “Soft Guy” Era

The “soft guy” era trend became popular in April 2024. It was founded by TikTok users @scarfacemark and @lil.goodiee. On April 1st, @scarfacemark posted a video reacting to a clip of a man talking about how his wife provides for him, which gained over 430,000 views in a week. On the same day, @lil.goodiee posted a video proclaiming to be in his “soft guy” era while criticizing a girl for not paying his way and being broke. His video garnered over 1.2 million views in a week, and was the first known use of the term “soft guy” era.

What TikTok Users Think About the “Soft Guy” Era

The “soft guy” era movement has sparked mixed reactions. It’s started an online debate on gender roles and expectations in relationships. Some people view the “soft guy” movement as a funny and positive take on modern dating, rejecting societal pressures for men to be alpha males and highlighting the double standards between men and women. However, some people claim the trend reveals that men want to be coddled for and avoid responsibility. Overall, the “soft guy” era reflects a cultural shift in evolving gender roles and what men and women are looking for in relationships.

More Internet Slang

“Broke boyfriend hug” The “Broke Boyfriend Hug” is a popular TikTok term that refers to the hug-from-behind position men often stand in when their girlfriend pays for everything for them. Oftentimes, a guy will use this move at the cash register when his girlfriend has pulled her card out to pay for him.

“Crying horizontally” According to TikTok, “crying horizontally” involves tilting your face so you don’t ruin your makeup. Some people lie down “horizontally” on their couch or bed to stop the tears from falling down their face.

“Bop” A “bop” is someone who posts promiscuous photos online or has lots of sexual partners. It’s a misogynistic term that’s used to slut-shame women and is highly disrespectful. On TikTok, many guys have posted videos revealing the signs that a girl is a “bop,” like only hanging out with guys or having a tongue piercing.