TikTok has brought with it plenty of trends, but there is a new one on the block: the Sigma face as part of a more general trend. Users across social media platforms have been asking, ‘What is a sigma face?’ and becoming fascinated by this facial expression.
Origins of the Sigma Face
The source of the sigma face seems to come from the 2000 movie “American Psycho.” Patrick Bateman is a character with extraordinarily intense & unsettling facial expressions played by Christian Bale in the film. In a scene, Bateman responds to an insult with a trademark expression: furrowed brows, pursed lips, and the tiniest grin. This phrase has since become a meme, spawning the Sigma face trend on TikTok.
What Is a Sigma Male Archetype?
A sigma male is an independent man, often referred to as a “lone wolf.” The sigma male does not aspire to lay claim to a position within the social hierarchy like the conventional alpha. This archetype has become well-known in internet culture where characters appreciate sigma traits like Patrick Bateman being prime examples.
The Sigma Face Trend On TikTok
In late 2022, TikTok user @argenby uploaded a video recreating the Bateman look, and it spread like wildfire. This video accumulated 95 million views and inspired a trend of copycats. Users started recreating the Sigma faces to communicate a sense of stoicism and confidence, usually paired with phone music remixes.
Sigma Face’s Appeal Across Gender
The sigma face started with male users but has since become gender-neutral. Women creators have also hopped on the trend, introducing what is known as a “sigma girl” persona. TikToker @greapaxcherri became famous for playing a strong, serious woman to contrast the gender paradigm. Millions of people have seen her videos, underscoring the trend’s mass appeal.
Cultural impact and discussions
The sigma face trend triggered discussions about masculinity, individuality, and societal norms. It can be seen by many as a celebration of independence & refusing to conform or as some toxicity glorification. However, the trend is also indicative of a wider cultural fascination with sigma masculinity and its role in contemporary life.
The Sigma Face: How to Make it
In order to create the Sigma face, do this:
Tilt your eyebrows to appear fierce.
Draw in your lips as if you were biting your tongue.
Add an ounce of a smirk to imply confidence.
Practice the gesture in front of a mirror until you nail it. There are many TikTok tutorials on how to perfect the Sigma face.
The Role of Music in the Trend
Sigma face is a trend so big that music has its role to play. The phone remixes, especially Twisted’s remix of Oliver Tree’s “Worth Nothing,” are very common in these videos. Accompanied by the melodic beats of the genre, an emotionless face makes her words deeper in the video. The integration of these sights and sounds is likely why so many people across the platform are jumping on this trend.
Sigma Face in Popular Media
The sigma face has leaked out of TikTok and into other outlets of media. Circling on Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit in memes, GIFS, and discussions about the term itself. It has also given birth to merchandise like shirts with the classic saying on them. This broad usage illustrates the place of the sigma face within modern-day digital culture.
Critiques and controversies
The sigma face trend, while popular, has been subject to controversy. Critics say this pushes the myth of Cylons who do not feel feelings. And, another wrote, “It’s kind of dangerous glorifying Patrick Bateman since he embodies a lot of problematic traits.” These criticisms shed light on the complications behind internet trends and aspects of its culture.
