What Does "Gaslight, Gatekeep, Girlboss" Mean?

We all know the basic-bitch trad-wife motto that is Live, Laugh, Love, a message so simple that it rings hollow in its vapid meaninglessness. Such niceties have no impact on the irony-pilled youth of today, who would sooner identify new social ills than solve pre-existing ones. They claim a new motto, one less wholesome and more tongue-in-cheek, one that lacks a modicum of sincerity. Thus, the phrase gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss was born. Here's the origin and breakdown of the phrase.

Where Does "Gaslight, Gatekeep, Girlboss" Mean?

The phrase "gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss" is a direct ironic subversion of the phrase "live, laugh, love," which has long been a kitschy wall decor staple for moms and basic girls everywhere. Midway through the 2010s, however, the pink-trimmed and fur-lined lives of these simple women were marred with the knowledge of social justice jargon.

Gaslight, a verb used to describe (often male) manipulation (often targeted at women) through constant lying, to the point where the victim can't tell true from false and begins to question their own sanity. Gatekeeping is,an accusation levied against those that restrict access to something from others. Girlboss is a word used to describe an empowered woman who uses capitalism as her weapon of choice.

While the varied lore behind each of these buzzwords is worth its own explainer, it is important to note that the phrase in its entirety is deployed with a healthy dose of irony. Supposedly, girlbosses have fallen from grace, gaslighting is now overused jargon, and gatekeeping is something only people with no personally cultivated interests whine about.

How Is "Gaslight, Gatekeep, Girlboss" Used In Memes?

The phrase is often deployed in an ironic way to describe something or someone's actions, like the ever villainous Makima from Chainsaw Man. Moreover, the phrase is often used in contrast to its male counterpart: "manipulate, mansplain, malewife.

For the full history of Gaslight, Gatekeep, Girlboss, be sure to check out our entry on the slang term here for even more information.