Have you heard your teen use the term “dragging” and have little to no knowledge of what it actually means? Well, it’s a popular slang term for teens across social media. We’ve got a clear definition and examples to keep you tuned in.
“Dragging” Definition
To drag someone is to essentially “drag them through the mud.” When you drag someone, you’re putting dirt on their name or their reputation.
When dragging someone, the intention is usually to make them feel put down about themselves. If a compliment is meant to be positive and uplifting, a drag is its complete opposite.
People can become the target of dragging for just about anything. From wearing a bad outfit to showing up late to a dinner with friends, a drag can be lighthearted and lacking malicious intent. However, some use it as a form of bullying in real life and on social media. Problematic behavior, like past racist tweets, can make someone get dragged online.
To put it simply, dragging can either be lighthearted banter between friends or another form of bullying.
Example of Dragging
When dragging happens online, it often comes with a negative connotation. It’s likely presented in a tweet, or a space where the target is not available to defend themselves directly.
User 1: Kylie’s new haircut got her looking like Edna mode!
User 2: I was thinking more like Lord Farquaad.
User 3: Omg you guys didn’t have to drag her like that!
Online dragging can quickly transform into a bigger movement, where multiple users join in on publically humiliating a targeted user. If you happen to see your kids saying “drag,” it may very well be harmless talk between friends. However, it could also be an opening for discussion about how teens are navigating the internet.
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