Women are giving their partners the ‘Illiterate Boyfriend’ test: ‘Do your best to pronounce these words’
People online are distressed at men butchering words such as ‘hyperbole’ and ‘hors d’oeuvres’ – highlighting a gender reversal in ‘intelligence gaps’
TL;DR
- A TikTok trend called the 'Illiterate Boyfriend' involves women testing their male partners' ability to pronounce challenging words.
- Many men on the app struggle with words like 'hyperbole', 'cynicism', and 'hors d’oeuvres', leading to criticism from viewers.
- The trend touches upon a perceived 'intelligence gap' and a reversal in dating precedents, where women are now more likely to marry less-educated men than vice versa.
- Statistics show a growing disparity in bachelor's degree attainment between men and women aged 25-34.
- Experts suggest that while intelligence is a factor, traits like humor, kindness, and attractiveness are more commonly prioritized in partner selection.
- Data indicates men's rates of book reading have declined compared to women's.
- The trend is seen by some as 'rage bait' for women frustrated with the dating marketplace, though its elitist nature in judging partners based on vocabulary is also noted.