WTF is a MGTOW? A Glossary

On this blog, MRA does not stand for Magnetic Resonance Angiography

NOTE: This page is in desperate need of revision and expansion. In the meantime, I suggest you use Rationalwiki’s Manosphere Glossary.

For newcomers to this blog, here’s a handy guide to some of the strange acronyms and lingo you’ll encounter here and in the “manosphere” in general. (For a definition of that term, see below.) I will update this entry periodically as needed.

First, the acronyms you’ll see most often here:

MRA: Men’s Rights Activist
MRM: Men’s Rights Movement

MGTOW: Men Going Their Own Way MGHOW: Man Going His Own Way.

Ok, so what do those terms mean?

MRM: The Men’s Rights Movement: A loosely defined, but largely retrograde, collection of activists and internet talkers who fight for what they see as “men’s rights.” Unlike the original Men’s Movement, which was inspired by and heavily influenced by feminism, the self-described Men’s Rights Movement is largely a reactionary movement; with few exceptions, Men’s Rights Activists (or MRAs) are pretty rabidly antifeminist, and many are frankly and sometimes proudly misogynistic. Those who oppose the MRM are generally not against men’s rights per se; they are opposed to those who’ve turned those two words into a synonym for some pretty backwards notions.

MGTOW: Men Going Their Own Way: As the name suggests, MGTOW is a lot like lesbian separatism, but for straight dudes. MGTOW often talk vaguely about seeking “independence” from western and/or consumer culture, and a few MGTOW try to live that sort of zen existence. But most of those who embrace the term have a deep hostility towards and/or profound distrust of feminists and women in general. Many MGTOW refuse to date “western women” and some try to avoid women altogether.  I think the Man Going His Own Way acronym MGHOW adds another layer of confusion to an already awkward acronym, so I use MGTOWer instead.

Some other terms and acronyms you’ll run across here:

Anglosphere: Countries in which English is the primary language, or, more narrowly, those countries that used to be British colonies. They are full of evil Western Women (see below).

Incel: Involuntarily Celibate. A term, and identity, adopted by some dateless guys (as well as some women, but it’s the men we’ll focus on here). While there is nothing shameful about being dateless, or a virgin, or having a really long dry spell sexually — most of us have been there at some point — the term “involuntarily celibate” seems to suggest that the world owes incels sex, and that women who turn down incel men for dates or sex are somehow oppressing them. For those (male, straight) incels who are genuinely socially awkward or phobic, this can be a self-defeating stance that can lead to bitterness towards women. And often does.

Mangina: Derogatory term used by MRAs, MGTOW, etc. to describe guys who disagree with them — e.g., me. You can figure out the various connotations of this term yourself.

The Manosphere: The loose collection of blogs, message boards, and other sites run by and/or read by MRAs, MGTOW, and assorted friendly Pick-up Artists. The primary source of material for this blog.

NAWALT: Not All Women Are Like That. Dudes in the manosphere make so many ridiculous and untrue generalizations about women that they’ve come up with their own little acronym to describe the most common reaction to their nonsense: “not all women are like that.” Remarkably, many seem to think that making a reference to NAWALT is actually some sort of clever rebuttal of their critics.

PUA: Pick-up Artist. PUAs are obsessed with mastering what they see as the ultimate set of techniques and attitudes — known as “Game” — that will enable them to quickly seduce almost any woman they want. There is a vast literature on “game” online, though PUA (insofar as it is not complete bullshit) is at its essence simply a male version of the age-old ploy of “playing hard to get.”

Western Women: Also known as WW. Evil harpies, at least according to many in the manosphere. Contrasted with “foreign women,” a term that (in the manosphere, at least) sometimes refers to all women outside the Anglosphere, but often refers to a subset of these women from poor and/or Eastern countries, mostly Asian, who are regarded as more pliable and thus more desirable to haters of “Ameriskanks” and other WW.

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Pendragon
10 years ago

Not even sure I should be commenting but what the hell…
So I don’t hate women… I don’t hate anyone. Yes I’m a a MGTOW I am done dating for a few reasons.
1. I like my money, $30 for my and someone else’s lunch… No. You got equality pay for your own meal
2. Society treats my genitalia like some science experiment. I was circumcised at birth… Learning what it did was traumatic and sickening. Relegion, social norms and the US as a whole needs to value the genitalia of BOTH genders.
3. Women expect me to do everything and enjoy doing it. Frankly I’m tired of it. I can’t read minds. I don’t know if you want sex, what flipping your hair means or if slapping my ass is a good thing or not. And you know what you don’t know what anything I do means either. If I say I’m busy I usually am. I’m straight-forward why aren’t you?
4. Feminists. Women need to be equal to men I agree! I really do! Women need to make up 50% of workplace deaths, loose their kids in 50% of divorces and pay child support until said kid turns 18 and pay alamony for life on top of it. They also need to be 50% of those drafted next war.
5. I have other things to focus on. I am in school. I want a good job. I have hobbies, dreams and free time. Some women don’t understand I have a life too. I want to make things, play golf, practice martial arts ect. To hell if they don’t like it, I do. I don’t like going to the mall and don’t drag you to the golf course.
6. I want friends not relationships. I want more male friends, you know the ones that will do stupid stuff with you, not question why you aren’t looking for a female friend. Those that don’t care if their shirt makes them look fat… Yeah those friends. You don’t like those… Leave.
7. I don’t like break ups. They make me feel like the entire relationship wasn’t real. You spread rumers, break my stuff on ocasion and frequently yell at me. I just don’t like that…
8. I’m never getting married. If I don’t like the prize why play the game?
9. Porn exists. I don’t need to pay the pornstar for having sex with the camera. I pay my girlfriend (dates, movies, ect.) I pay a hooker (oh god no). For me there isn’t much difference anyways.
10. I have neither the time or recourses women now require to be happy. My car is a rust bucket but gets me where I want to go. My stuff is 5-6 years old but well cared for. I haven’t bought more than 1 pair of shoes a year….

With the above understood do I NEED a woman to “make me happy?” No, I would say I’m fairly happy as is.
^_^

Unknown Traveler
Unknown Traveler
10 years ago

@ cloudiah

I’m not trying to get a rise out of you guys.

1. First I was only minded leave an opinion, share a few words and then move on. Then when responses got nasty I saw an opportunity to make a study.

2. I’m here to see If I can get a feminist to admit that they have had some part to play in the current events unfolding in modern society and male and female behavior. It’s interesting that you praised me for being self aware. I’ve been trying to get you guys to show self awareness this entire time.

3. I wanted to see if a feminist could reflect or more like, openly reflect. This would’ve indicated that there’s at least some empathy towards other perspectives that clash with their own. This never once happened. And though I’m not surprised, I am disappointed. I really did try to make this happen.

4. I needed proof of my own demographic conclusion. I don’t like generalizations without actually experiencing the behavior I’m basing it on. I don’t deal in absolutes unless there are grounds to do so.

@ Sparky

I’m just being blunt. Really I just wanted a simple discussion but then you guys went dark, so I went full sexy.

I’m more interested in what Katie has to say now. She’s the only one that has come at me with intellect. Otherwise I already got the information I need.

Unknown Traveler
Unknown Traveler
10 years ago

@ Pendragon

I know I don’t know you but I wanted to share a few words. Though I support the Mgtow path I warn you not to lose yourelf to it. Being a Mghow is great for finding oneself and regaining confidence. Learning to channel isolation into solitude is a powerful thing. However it’s also dangerous. Always practice humility and compassion even in the presents of your enemies. Be careful of hatred as it takes many forms and will only taint your new path. Be wary of negative feelings towards women as those feelings will only give women power over you. Lastly don’t stay Mgtow forever. The path can only take you but so far. I know building your own world sounds wondrous but it leaves you in a state of stasis. Don’t be afraid to move on if or when the time comes. Life is too short.

http://www.doctornerdlove.com/2012/04/to-be-a-man/all/1/

Wish I would’ve found this years ago. Good stuff here. I pray your Mghow journey takes you were you need to be.

emilygoddess - MOD
emilygoddess - MOD
10 years ago

I think Pendragon is writing from an alternate universe where Sex and the City was real. With bonus “real equality means making women suffer more” (because making men suffer less is no fun). Oh, but he doesn’t hate women.

I can’t even with Unknown Traveler. What an ignoranus.

Pendragon
10 years ago

I was simply stating what equality entails. As of now women are better off than men in quite a few aspects. Excuse me for not participating if the rules are so skewed.
Abortions for women
Child support for men.
Give men the option to opt out. That is a right men are denied but women have.
I dare you to find a law that gives men something and limits women.

sparky
sparky
10 years ago

UK: Give it up, already. You are not some kind of neutral observer doing some kind if sociological experiment or trying to set up some kind or dialogue. We can scroll back to read what you’ve actually written. Shall I quote your words at you again:

You do need to train people with Gender roles, or in any role for that matter. Gender roles are like rules, and as awesome as it may be to give people the freedom to do as they please, it’s usually not a good idea. It’s like the President going on National television and claiming there are no more laws, no rules. Everyone be nice to one another at your own discretion. Honestly, I’d give the country 2 weeks, a month tops.

On a personal note, I find a conversation with a feminist is like trying to convince a drug addict of their own addiction.

These are not the words of a neutral observer. These are the words of an ideologue. A frightened ideologue who is finding himself in the wrong side of history. However much you want to try to dress it up, to hide it in flowery language or bury it under tons of bloviation, what you are saying, at the end of it all, is that you want to go back to the days of women inferior, man superior. That’s the bottom line here, because that’s what those traditional gender roles that you wax on about did.

-10/10

Pendragon:

Y’know what? If you think sexual consent is some kind of mystifying puzzle that no one can solve; can’t tell the difference between a woman you are (supposedly) having a relationship with and a sex worker; and don’t want to support any children you father? Please, go your own way. With a feminist’s blessing, go your own way and leave women alone.

Oi. What is with the trolls in the FAQ thread?

emilygoddess - MOD
emilygoddess - MOD
10 years ago

Pendragon, yes, and your definition of equality just happens to involve the mass deaths of women rather than reducing male deaths. You don’t want equality, you want women to suffer. Fuck you.

sparky
sparky
10 years ago

Pendragon:

I was simply stating what equality entails.

Which would be:

Women need to make up 50% of workplace deaths

So, you’d accomplish the requisite number of women’s deaths how…?
(ps: This is a rhetorical question. Do not answer because I do not want to know.)

Unknown Traveler
Unknown Traveler
10 years ago

@ Sparky

Don’t assume you know me or what my interest are. But ill humor you just this once. Let’s say for augment sake I do want women to be inferior. Do you really think my personal feelings have anything to do with the way the world works. Which is what ive been explaing for past few post. Are you seriously willing to ignor human nature to cover up the fact that rules are needed. This is beyond childish. And no baby girl, I am not a neutral obverser. I’m a realist. Someone that can see things for what they are regardless of there own personal feelings. Something that you guys seem incapable of doing.

Im not into childish games so let me end it here. I claim negative infinity to ten, and could care less. Please grow up.

emilygoddess - MOD
emilygoddess - MOD
10 years ago

I modded UT’s latest comment because it was sexist and he’s boring. Take your mansplanations somewhere else, UT.

Katie
Katie
10 years ago

Lashings of apologies all for attempting to converse, UT is a total arsehole, why do I try to appeal to their better nature? They don’t have one! Yes no more dick-heads in the glossary!! I wish I could take it back.

emilygoddess - MOD
emilygoddess - MOD
10 years ago

Dammit! Overruled by the Dark Lord!

UT, your comment was sexist and so are you. GTFO.

Pendragon
10 years ago

Really? I thought I said things that were self evident! I get it you are scared of equality!
Yes I value human life equally if a woman and man were dying in front of me and I could only save one I wouldn’t rush to aid the woman BECAUSE she is a woman.
I want equal parental rights, consenting to sex (something I agree with whole hearted with) isn’t consenting to parenthood for women, why should it be for men?
I don’t want anyone to suffer, men or women. I never said anything crazy, mysoginistic ect. You simply don’t like what I’m saying. I would “raise” the precent of female deaths in the workplace by simply having them work the same dangerous jobs men overwhelmingly work now. Why is the fact I wouldn’t care (and would prefer) safer conditions for both genders anti female. You don’t care that men die on the job in way higher numbers. You don’t care men commit suicide about 4 times as often as women, or that only a man will be drafted in the event of a war.

You want protection, not equality.

What parts of my orgional post is controversial?

Oh and emilygoddess, I don’t need your approval XD. THATS WHY I’m going my own way. I don’t need permission from you to do so!

What is this patriarchy you speak of? I want to get rid of it as well if it exists. I want an equal shot at a gener based scholarship (I’m male obviously) and an equal shot at a race based scholarship (I’m white)

The only privilage I’ve experienced is nobody helps me get back up. I have learned from failure, not sheltered from it. Now before anyone says YOU MUST BE RICH!!! You are wrong. I’m lower-middle class. I go to public school, and work a 40+ hour week. I have goals and if feminism OR the patriarchy gets in my way…. I’ll stand up to that too.

emilygoddess - MOD
emilygoddess - MOD
10 years ago

If you’re going your own way and don’t need approval, then fucking go.

Pendragon
10 years ago

Already have!

Pendragon
10 years ago

By the way please pick apart my argument. Show me what’s wrong with what I’m saying. Why knows, I might become a feminist if you convince me I’m wrong. I’m extremely open minded. I WANT to have a debate and see the good qualities of this site and feminism. I stumbled upon this place and am kinda curious.

Unknown Traveler
Unknown Traveler
10 years ago

@ Katie

Actually I repected what you said and appreciated how you spoke. It wasn’t out of superiority which is why I wanted to converse with you further. With that said I’ll take my leave.

P.S. A lot of you guys need to chill. This encounter would’ve went a lot smoother if you had. Try to keep an open mind. And I wish you many blessings.

emilygoddess - MOD
emilygoddess - MOD
10 years ago

Pendragon, feel free to find any of the sites where they teach feminism 101 or debate the merits of feminism. This isn’t one of those sites, and you’re not entitled to anything from us – especially not when your first comment on this site was so chock-full of both ignorance and aggression. Arguing with you would be like playing chess with the proverbial pigeon, and I have better things to do on my day off, so buzz off (and feel free to use this as proof that feminists/women are meanies, which we both know you were going to do no matter what I said).

UT, if you can’t figure out why your comments have upset people, that’s what we call a “you problem”. Don’t go telling other people to chill after you’ve insulted them. It’s gaslighting and it doesn’t make you look like the smarter, more rational one.

Pendragon
10 years ago

Really? You can’t even defend your position… If you call out my first post (it had ignorance) you need to back up those claims. I haven’t said anything most people would find off putting outside of your group. Seriously, calling me the bird screwing with the chess board AS YOU GLOAT XD. How lost is that irony? Oh and I was planning on making a new video anyways so don’t worry you’ve given me plenty of material XD. The best part is you saying you don’t need to defend your position while insulting me. @sparky really you take the two things I said you didn’t like and made a huge fuss about it. Do you want equality, really?

Same question ogre for you, “goddess” do you want REAL equality? Or do you want protection while at the same time screaming MYSOGINIST. Men aren’t dealing with it the same way anymore. Proof being 2 people found your in-the-sticks blog who were MRA/MGTOW and to the outsider made you and your community look like a tool. Your refusal to have a debate or anything but ad-homin (assassination of character/shaming or attempted assassination/shaming) proves you know I have some valid points. Good day mam. Get some sleep while you still can.
Feminists have a few problems to deal with. Firstly they need to put out the fire that is “women against feminism (aka traditionalists, get back to your jobs men) ” secondly they need to deal with the MRA (no calling them MYSOGINISTS isn’t going to work much longer. They have a few good points) finally and most Importantly if you want to continue living in a feminist society is stopping MGTOW. As you proved today you
1. Have no idea what a MGTOW is
2. Have no idea on how to handle a MGTOW
3. Think we aren’t a big problem or aren’t growing in numbers (we are, check youtube XD)
4. Think that if you say equality enough people won’t listen to the other side, equality for men

Whelp that’s all. “Mod” me and all my comments if you want! I’ve already screen shorted everything video should be up soon!

By the way my channel is Dbz4thefuture… Have fun with my crowd… They might treat you the same way your crowd treated me…

Pendragon
10 years ago

Ogre was a typo by the way. I meant same question goes for you “goddess” do you want REAL equality,

My mistake sorry

emilygoddess - MOD
emilygoddess - MOD
10 years ago

Pendragon
10 years ago

Congratulations…. That video proved some point I’m sure but for the life of me I have no idea what it was….

emilygoddess - MOD
emilygoddess - MOD
10 years ago

cloudiah
10 years ago

Oh come on, Pendragon, next you’re going to be saying you don’t see the relevance of this video:

Pendragon
10 years ago

How bout this… If you have so much time to find and post videos of random shit you write a short rebuttal. If I’m such an idiot and a pigeon it should be easy to blow my argument out of the water. These links are the adult equivalent of sticking your fingers in your ears and humming.
Grow up

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