verb🔥 Gen-Z slang

gatekeep

to hoard access or info from others

What it means

To deliberately hoard access, information, or recommendations so others can't enjoy or get into something. A 'gatekeeper' guards their favorite spots, brands, or knowledge instead of sharing.

Examples

  • Don't gatekeep the name of that restaurant, share it!
  • She gatekeeps her skincare routine like it's classified.
  • Stop gatekeeping good music, send me the playlist.
  • He totally gatekeeps where he buys his vintage tees.

Where it comes from

From the long-standing concept of a 'gatekeeper,' the verb form spread on TikTok and Twitter around 2020-2021, popularized by the meme trio 'gatekeep, gaslight, girlboss'.

Related slang

#girlboss

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