Shannon was used to her socially awkward son being bullied by other boys at the private school he attends. But when he told her he was being called a ‘simp,’ Shannon didn’t know what to think. Her son explained that it meant he was just being nice to girls because he liked them. Shannon was shocked that her son was being picked on for being kind to girls. The word ‘simp’ is popular among tweens and teens, with hashtags on TikTok and posts on Instagram. Its usage and origins are debated, but it generally refers to someone who does too much for a person they like. Some see it as playful, while others see undertones of toxic masculinity. Parents are advised to address bullying and teach their children to respond with humor or confidence.
