An incel is a member of an online subculture of largely heterosexual men who identify as unable to obtain a romantic or sexual partner despite desiring one. The term is a portmanteau of "involuntary celibate" and describes a community and set of beliefs that often center on resentment toward women, misogyny, and a sense of entitlement to sexual or romantic access.

Key points to understand

• Origin and usage: The label emerged from online forums and communities, amplifying grievances around dating and social status. The discourse often includes hostility toward women and feminism, along with self-pity and nihilism.

• Ideology and behaviors: Incel discussions frequently involve dehumanizing views of women, biological determinism about mate choice, and references to “Chads” as idealized partners. Some narratives verge into endorsing or promoting violence, though these views are not universal across all self-identified incels.

• Public impact and analysis: Researchers and policymakers study incel communities as potential indicators of misogynistic extremism and, in some cases, links to violence or mass killings carried out by individuals who identify with incel ideology or sympathize with it. This has prompted discussions about mental health, online radicalization, and violence prevention.

Common misconceptions

• Not all people who struggle with dating are incels; the term refers to a distinct online subculture with its own norms, vocabulary, and identity construction.
• The incel label does not imply a single, universal set of beliefs; there is variation within communities, including debates over blame, legitimacy of desires, and approaches to change.

If you’d like, I can tailor this with more context (historical development, key figures, or how researchers classify and study incel communities) or provide a concise glossary of common terms used in incel discourse.