If you’ve spent any time scrolling through TikTok, YouTube, or Reddit, chances are you’ve come across the phrase “what the sigma”. It’s become a huge part of internet culture, appearing in memes, captions, and comments everywhere. But what the sigma actually mean? Is it serious, or sarcastic, or just another joke online? This article unpacks where the phrase originated, what it means, and why it’s become so well-loved among Australians.
The origin of “what the sigma”
The phrase ‘what the sigma’ is named after the sigma male, an idea that became a meme on the internet around 2018. It referred to someone who was successful and self-assured but did not follow social hierarchies as they had been expected to. While the alpha male was a leadership figure, the sigma male was a lone wolf figure, someone who does his own thing.
From conceptual seriousness to online joke
Like most internet concepts, soon everyone was making fun of it. Memes, YouTube shorts, and TikTok clips took the idea to the extreme and used some drama music with lines like “what the sigma behaviour”.
By 2023, ‘sigma’ had become a meme catchphrase. For Australians, it caught on because it matched our love of sarcasm and self-deprecation. We love to tease anything that’s too serious, and what the sigma is is the very definition of that.
Why do Australians love to say, ‘What the sigma?’
Australians are known for their humour. We’re laid-back, a bit cheeky, and rarely take things too seriously. That’s why the sigma has taken off so quickly here. When Aussies say “what the sigma”, it’s usually playful. It’s not about social dominance or gender roles; it’s more about having a laugh when someone acts cool, calm, or unbothered.
Common Aussie moments for what the sigma
- A tradie does it in advance and leaves without complaint.
- Someone doesn’t dramatise at a party and just enjoys themself.
- A mate has a clever move in silence that catches us all out.
The word fits very well into Aussie vernacular: easy-going, witty, and even ironic.
What led to the rise of the sigma meme?
The internet basically made a meme out of the sigma because of its absurdity, which was playful. Just like icebergs, the memes had their first submersion with the videos of the stoic characters from the movies accompanied bywords like “what a sigma moment”. There was a blend of seriousness with absurdity that brought the phrase to the public.
Why did it get popular?
- It is simple and short to say.
- It seems profound but is a joke.
- It is applicable to any situation that seems “cool” in a funny way.
Australians, who use self-deprecating humour, found it a perfect catchphrase to say online and in group chats.
The psychology behind “what the sigma”
Even being used mostly as a meme, the mentality behind it is rooted in real traits people admire. The sigma mindset is all about independence, emotional control, and quiet confidence.
The psychology behind “what the sigma”
Aussies love authenticity and toughness. We respect people who get on with it but do not make a song and dance about it. It is for this reason that the sigma resonates with us here; it celebrates independence and confidence in a down-to-earth way.
What the sigma says about today’s culture
1. Modern masculinity
In the past few years, there has been a change in what people think about masculinity. Those alpha vs beta labels don’t hold any water anymore. What the sigma is all about is a more balanced approach, arrogance-free confidence, and ego-free strength. When we say “what the sigma”, it is generally an appreciation of that kind of confidence and composure. It’s not domination; it’s self-awareness and not needing to prove it.
2. The cultural shift
This is why the sigma has lasted longer than most memes. It’s funny but also gets to say something real. Many people, especially younger Australians, can relate to being able to still be humble and self-sufficient in a world that is always obnoxious and competitive.
When to use “what the sigma”
Like most slang, ‘sigma’ works best in casual settings. It’s meant to be friendly and funny, not serious or rude. ‘What the sigma’ is a good saying at the following times:
- When a friend acts cool or surprises you.
- When a person keeps his/her cool under pressure.
- When a buddy silently completes a task impressively.
When to avoid it:
- During formal occasions.
- When a person is upset or seriously taking things.
- If it might sound like you’re mocking someone unfairly.
Used at the appropriate moment, it’s a lighthearted way to show appreciation or admiration with a dash of sarcasm.
Why it’s stuck around
The beauty of “what the sigma” is its flexibility—it can be funny, sincere, or both at once. Australians use it to celebrate individuality, with just the right dose of humour.
Final thoughts
So, what is the sigma? It’s a word that started out as internet slang, evolved into a meme, and then was added to the everyday Aussie lexicon. It funnels something most Aussies get to have: calm confidence, self-sufficiency, and humour about it all. Use it on the internet, in a friend group chat, or just because; ‘what the sigma’ is a fun way to nod at someone’s confident, cool attitude.
