What it means
Ghosting is when someone just disappears on you mid-connection. One minute you're texting, dating, chatting, making plans, then poof, they've gone full silence with no reply and no explanation. It's big in dating talk, but people use it for flaky friends, jobs, landlords, and anyone who blanks you instead of having the awkward convo.
Usage examples
"We went on three dates, he was proper keen, then he ghosted after I texted. No reply, no read receipt, nothing, just gone."
"I had two great interviews and then the company just went silent, no email, no callback. Getting ghosted by a job stings more than a bad date."
"She was liking my pics all week, then when I asked if she was free Friday, full ghosting mode. Proper vanished."
"I sent the landlord three messages about the leak and got absolute ghosting. Mad how people disappear when it's their job."
"Thought we were actually vibing, then she ghosted me for four days and popped up watching my story like nothing happened."
Where it comes from
Ghosting comes from the older English verb ghost, meaning to disappear or avoid someone. The dating sense blew up in the 2010s, especially with apps and online chatting, where cutting contact got ridiculously easy. After that, the word spread fast into friendships, work stuff, and everyday life.
Other ways to say it
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