The slang term "Netflix and chill" has been thrown around for several years, but in the past year, it has become a regular term used among teens and young adults. What exactly does it mean, though? Recently, college students and recent graduates from different universities were interviewed, and they were asked what it means to get a text asking to "Netflix and chill." Does it mean actually watching a movie and hanging out? Or, in the words of Kent State Student Mags Scheiderer, does it mean the sender of the text is “trying to get in your pants?”
When asked about "Netflix and chill," most of the adults agreed the term was slang for hooking up. Some students, including sophomore Bailey Wallace, claimed it to be a booty call with Netflix playing in the background. But in the words of student Madelyn Kontra, the term refers to inviting someone special over to “watch this show for five minutes” then engage in sexual activity. When other students were asked the same question, three young adults gave the exact answer as Madelyn Kontra.
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Other adults responded to the question by saying the overall message depends on who’s asking. One person who was interviewed, who just so happened to be a male, went on to say if it’s just sent to a friend, the sender of the message may actually want to watch movies and hang out. But if it’s someone who has shown an interest in you, he or she is definitely looking for a hookup.
Out of all 16 interviews, there was only one student, a male, who said that he would assume receiving the text “Netflix and chill?” would actually mean watching shows on Netflix and hanging out.
After deciding what "Netflix and chill" meant to the person, the students were then asked what his or her response would be to the sender of the message. Six of the eight girls said her response would more than likely be “no,” while the other two decided it would depend on who the asker is. One, who is single, claimed it would depend on the attractiveness of the person; the other person, who is in a relationship, said it would depend on whether it was her significant other or not. On the other hand, almost all of the guys responded with “hell yes," although a couple of them claimed it would depend on who exactly sender of the text was.
So according to the majority of young adults, "Netflix and chill" is ultimately slang for sex. So what becomes of those who are not interested in "Netflix and chill?" Since the term has been ruined for those who are actually looking to watch Netflix and relax, what do we say now; Hulu and Hang? Amazon Prime and Commitment? With these interviews in mind, be careful of how you use this term. If you're looking to watch movies and hang out, say exactly that. And if you do chose to be involved in "Netflix and chill," remember that if not done safely, Netflix and chill can easily become Netflix and child.
