beta male

beta male

1. In the social hierarchy of an animal group, a male occupying a position secondary to the dominant "alpha male." Emerging research on animal groups suggests that beta males may have more complex roles than previously thought.
2. By extension, a man comfortable with engaging in non-stereotypical male behaviors and having personality traits that contrast with the stereotypically dominant and aggressive "alpha male." In this usage, the term is used positively or affectionately. I really like that David is so chill. He's a real beta male, and I'm into it.
3. A derisive term for a man regarded as passive or weak (in contrast to the "alpha male"). I can't believe Mike lets his girlfriend tell him what to do—what a beta male.
See also: male
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • alpha male
  • omega male
  • stud
  • imprint on (someone or something)
  • put (one) off the scent
  • put a dog off the scent
  • put off the scent
  • put someone off the scent
  • put/throw somebody off the scent
  • prey (up)on (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
Author and Professional Dating Coach, Alan Roger Currie explains in his book, "The Beta Male Revolution: Why Many Men Have Totally Lost Interest in Marriage in Today's Society," that the period between roughly 1960 and 1974 entirely changed the way men and women view engaging in sexual activities outside the context of marriage, and even outside the context of a long-term strictly monogamous relationship in general.
#MeTwo? Dating Coach Offers Men 5 Rules for Hooking Up with Women in the Controversial #MeToo Era
The email partly said, "We realize that these beta male anti-intellectual Marxists enter the education system because they know that naive young kids are the only people stupid enough to buy in to the tenets of Marxism."
UNC Students Protest Against Fictional White Nationalist Rally
One suspects Chbosky is a bit like Auggie's dad, a wry beta male who retreats discreetly at first sign of confrontation.
Film review: WONDER ***
But these dystopian fantasies discount the reality of human nature, something innate and bred through evolution, where women will opt for the alpha male over the beta male feminist."
Studies Show Women Prefer What Feminists Call "Toxic Males"
They included requests to find a "submissive female", who wasn't interested in the "usual alpha or beta male chimp role play."
Man told to stop soliciting for 'private PSarrangement'
One day you are the Alpha male with the new iPhone 5; half a year later you're the Beta male because now they have the iPhone 5s.
My arguments for firearms
MJ: You've referred to yourself as a "beta male." Are they funnier than alphas?
King of Uncool: Kumail Nanjiani on sex, Silicon Valley, and the skepticism of Dana Scully
It's perfectly sequenced too, building from the scene-setting opener Between The Saltmarsh And The Sea to the climactic soaring orch pop of Love Song Of The Beta Male. A compelling mix.
Album releases ses es STAND [...]
Spada and Goodale play this alpha female and beta male odd couple with amusing give and take, leading up to its heartwarming denouement in this captivating production.
Barre Players cast shines in mythical 'Almost, Maine'
It was a piece penned by Robert Crampton in his Beta Male column in The Times magazine on Saturday, which, understandably, made her incandescent with rage and indignation.
Women don't buy rounds? Come off it! PADDY SHENNAN Likes pubs, Everton, Half Man Half Biscuit. Hates everything else
How do you go from being a beta male to an alpha male, and what are the implications on your everyday life?"
Quiet guys' inside job; TVChoice Inside Men (BBC One, 9pm)
New York, July 15 (ANI): A study on baboons has found that while the alpha male may have all the power, it is the beta male who does better, as being at the top comes with many health problems.
Alpha males don't have it as good as beta males who finish 2nd
But it is this beta male statuswhichhas lefthimfreeto develop his stand-up, and turn into an assured practitioner of his craft.
REVIEWRussell Howard - Right Here Right Now, Cardiff International Arena
I just love that here is a seemingly beta male that we all underestimated.
Why are the ladies so into Peter Orszag, Obama's budget guru?
Author Greg Lewis in the American Thinker online publication offered another perspective, painting an uncharitable picture of Obama as displaying classic beta male behavior.
LETTERS IN THE EDITOR'S MAILBAG