How ‘Creepy’ Became the Most Insulting Word You Can Call a Man

A study finds that 95% of participants associate creepiness with men. How did this word get so gendered?

Carlyn Beccia
Moments
Published in
6 min readJul 24, 2024

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How ‘Creepy’ Became the Most Insulting Word You Can Call a Man
Pexels | Photo by Lisa Fotios

Two identical men walk into a bar and ask the same woman out. We will call our protagonist “Jack.”

Jack steps into a bar. His eyes survey the room, quickly alighting on Emma, wiping down the counter.

Emma looks up, and her eyes widen with recognition. She caresses the top button on her blouse before leaning over the bar. “Heeeelloooo, Jack.”

“Good evening, Emma,” he replies, sliding onto a barstool with panther grace. “I was hoping you might help me with something.”

“Of course.” Emma’s lifts one brow as she leans closer. “What do you need?”

Jack pauses as he looks Emma up and down. “…something hot and steamy, something to keep me up all night.”

Emma’s lips curve into a knowing smile. “I believe I can manage that. How about a hot toddy with a twist?”

“Perfect,” Jack says, his gaze unwavering. “But you know, I was thinking more along the lines of some… stimulating conversation.”

Emma laughs and cocks her head to one side. “Is that so? Well, lucky for you, conversation…

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Carlyn Beccia
Moments

Award-winning author of 13 books. My latest: 10 AT 10: The Surprising Childhoods of 10 Remarkable People, MONSTROUS: The Lore, Gore, & Science. CarlynBeccia.com