Dr. Fauci weighs in on new dating term 'Fauci-ing'
As if modern dating wasn't exhausting enough, now singles worry about "Fauci-ing" someone.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical advisor to President Biden, has been working to curb the spread of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic for the past year. He's become the de facto face of the government response to the virus, advocating for mask wearing and social distancing measures, informing the public about reopening timelines, and now, weighing in on American dating.
The term "Fauci-ing" was coined by dating site Plenty of Fish, and supposedly involves cutting someone off for not taking social distancing measures seriously enough. The phrase was added to Urban Dictionary in November 2020.
Axios editor Margaret Talev asked Fauci about the term during a call for Axios on HBO.
"You might not have a lot of time to read the Urban Dictionary since you're trying to cure a pandemic and all," Talev asked. "But there is actually a term in dating now called 'Fauci-ing' someone. Do you know what that means?"
When Fauci inquired, Talev explained that he's now the namesake for breaking up with someone over pandemic concerns.
Fauci got a laugh out of it, exclaiming, "I'm gonna Fauci you!"
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It's worth noting that his name has become a phrase for multiple pandemic-related activities on Urban Dictionary, including correcting a hyperbolic statement, washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, and a unit of length equivalent to at least six feet. And as Mashable reporter Anna Iovine wrote, the trend of creating cutesy buzzwords for dating behavior is getting old, especially when it fosters an environment of being inconsiderate.
So if you haven't heard of "Fauci-ing" someone, don't worry - neither has Fauci himself. Dumping someone for their unsafe behavior is completely valid, but just call it what it is: doing your part to end this pandemic.
Related Video: How to go on a virtual date during the coronavirus pandemic
