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Learn why it’s a red flag when guys say “where's my hug at?”
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You may have heard the phrase “where my hug at” on social media or in real life, but what exactly does it mean? According to the internet, it’s a cringy and awkward way that guys ask girls for a hug. In this article, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about this phrase, including what it means, why it can come off as creepy, and the origins of the “where my hug at” meme. We’ll also cover the female equivalent of “where my hug at” and the best way to ask a girl for a hug.

“Where My Hug At” Meme Explained

“Where my hug at” is a popular meme that pokes fun at guys who ask girls for hugs in a cringy way. This type of guy is typecast as creepy, socially awkward, and/or unattractive. He makes girls feel uncomfortable because he feels entitled to a hug, even when the girl might not know him very well.

Section 1 of 5:

What does “where my hug at” mean?

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  1. It’s typically said by socially awkward men who are trying to get hugs from women. Oftentimes, these men say “where my hug at” to women they don’t know well, or have little to no chemistry with. These men are also known as “where my hug at” guys in memes and jokes online, and they’re usually perceived as cringy or nerdy.[1]
    • Stereotypically, the “where my hug at” guy is creepy, unattractive, and/or socially unaware. Think of him as the guy who constantly tries to escape the friendzone but is unsuccessful.
    • According to social media users, the female equivalent to “Where my hug at” is “Look how small my hands are.” Both are flirtatious attempts to warrant physical contact with someone.[2]
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Section 2 of 5:

Why “Where My Hug At” Is Creepy

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  1. According to the internet, “Where my hug at” is a manipulative way for men to press themselves against women under the guise of a hug. The line implies that the speaker is entitled to a hug, even if the other person hasn’t offered one. This creates an uncomfortable, invasive, and awkward dynamic, depending on context and how close the two people are to each other.[3]
    • “Where my hug at” guys are viewed as socially awkward, so their request seems clingy and overly eager for affection. At the end of the day, physical contact should feel mutual for both parties involved, and no one should feel pressured into hugging someone they don’t want to!
Section 3 of 5:

“Where My Hug At” Meme Origin & Spread

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  1. While it’s unclear when the phrase became associated with creepy men, some of the earliest known memes using the phrase in this context were posted in April 2013. The memes often included people making fun of the “Where my hug at” guy trope and how girls might react to the line. Throughout the 2010s and early 2020s, the meme gained even more traction on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (now X), and TikTok.[4]
    • Check out this TikTok video by @im.gordinho and this video by @loganluvscats to see why the “Where my hug at” guy meme is trending!
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Section 4 of 5:

Female Equivalent to “Where My Hug At”

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  1. Typically said by so-called pick-me girls, “Look how small my hands are” is a classic line that women use as an excuse to press their hand against a man’s hands. With that being said, there are tons of flirtatious, slightly cringy, and attention-seeking lines that convey the same vibe as “Where my hug at.” Here are a few examples:
    • “Are you mad at me?”
    • “Wow, no hug for me?”
    • “Why are you so mean?”
    • “Let me wear your hoodie.”
    • “Let’s compare hand sizes.”
    • “You’re not going to say hi?”
    • “So, you’re just going to ignore me?”
Section 5 of 5:

How to Ask a Girl for a Hug

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  1. Before asking a girl for a hug, consider the context of the situation and how close you two are. Some signs that she feels comfortable around you include: open body language, easy eye contact, willingness to share personal stories, laughing freely, and not showing any signs of nervousness (such as fidgeting or avoiding eye contact).[5]
  2. If you think it’s appropriate to ask for a hug, be direct and say, “Can I give you a hug?” or “Would you like a hug?” To avoid making things awkward, you could wait until the end of a deep conversation or when you’re parting ways so it feels natural. Just don’t overthink it and avoid pressuring her!
  3. If she says no, don’t take it personally, and say something casual like “No worries” or “No prob.” The key is to prioritize her comfort and respect her decision. Otherwise, you may seem pushy or weird. Everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to physical affection, and being kind, sincere, and respectful is the best way to maintain good relationships.[6]
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About This Article

John Keegan
Reviewed by:
Dating Coach
This article was reviewed by John Keegan and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health. This article has been viewed 1,991 times.
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Co-authors: 5
Updated: April 4, 2025
Views: 1,991
Categories: Dating
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,991 times.

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