trip trap def

• 1.1 Alternative forms
• 1.2 Interjection

English [ edit ]

Alternative forms [ edit ], interjection [ edit ].

trip - trap

• 1886 , Peter Christen Asbjørnsen , translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales , page 141 : First of all came the youngest Billy-goat, and was going over the bridge. Trip trap , trip trap , went the bridge. "Who is that tripping over my bridge?" shouted the troll.

Verb [ edit ]

trip - trap ( third-person singular simple present trip-traps , present participle trip-trapping , simple past and past participle trip-trapped )

• 2002 , Beverly Cleary , The Best of Ramona ‎ [1] : Ramona trip-trapped joyfully all the way to the parked car, and when she reached home she trip-trapped up and down the hall and all around the house.
• 2014 , Scott Nicholson , The Home: A Supernatural Thriller ‎ [2] : Her lips parted, Freeman was suddenly triptrapping , no, she was triptrapping him, and then they were triptrapping together [ … ]

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What Is Guilt Tripping?

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

damircudic / Getty Images

• Getting Help

Frequently Asked Questions

A guilt trip means causing another person to feel guilt or a sense of responsibility to change their behavior or take a specific action. Because guilt can be such a powerful motivator of human behavior, people can wield it as a tool to change how others think, feel, and behave. 

Sometimes this might involve leaning on something that someone already feels guilty about. In other cases, people might induce feelings of unjustified guilt or responsibility to manipulate the other person's emotions and behaviors.

If someone has ever made you feel bad about something you’ve done (or didn’t do) and then used those bad feelings to get you to do something for them, then you have experience with guilt tripping.

This article discusses the signs, types, and impact of guilt trips. It also covers some of the steps you can take to cope with this type of behavior.

Signs of a Guilt Trip

Guilt trips can be intentional, but they can also be unintentional. There are chances that you have even guilt-tripped people into doing things before.

Sometimes guilt tripping behavior can be easy to spot, but it can also be much more subtle and difficult to detect.  Some key signs that others may be guilt-tripping you include:

• Making comments suggesting that you have not done as much work as they have done
• Bringing up mistakes that you have made in the past
• Reminding you of favors they have performed for you in the past
• Acting as if they are angry but then denying that there is a problem
• Refusing to speak to you or giving you the silent treatment
• Making it clear through their body language , tone of voice, and facial expressions that they disapprove of what you were doing
• Suggesting that you “owe” them
• Engaging in passive-aggressive behavior
• Making sarcastic comments about your efforts or progress

It is important to note that this type of indirect communication can occur in any interpersonal relationship. Still, it is more likely to take place in relationships that are marked by close emotional connections.

It can show up in romantic relationships, but guilt trips may also be utilized in family relationships, parental relationships, and even work relationships.

Types of Guilt Tripping

There are many different types of guilt trips that people may utilize depending on the ultimate goal or purpose of the behavior. Some of the different purposes of a guilt trip include:

• Manipulation : Sometimes, the primary goal of a guilt trip is to manipulate someone into doing something that they normally would not want to do.  
• Conflict avoidance : In other cases, people may use guilt trips to avoid directly talking about an issue. It allows them to get what they want without having to engage in direct conflict.
• Moral education : Guilt trips can also be a way of getting someone to engage in a behavior that the individual feels is more moral or “right.”
• Elicit sympathy : In some cases, guilt-tripping allows the individual to gain the sympathy of others by casting themselves in the role of someone who has been harmed by the actions the other person is supposed to feel guilty about.

Guilt isn't always a bad thing. While often troubling and unpleasant, it can serve an important role in guiding moral behavior. When people experience guilt, they can fix their mistakes and avoid repeating the same errors in the future.

Researcher Courtney Humeny

A guilt trip does not appear to induce the benefits of guilt, such as making amends, honesty, and mutual understanding.

Impact of Guilt Trips

Invoking feelings of guilt to change someone’s behavior can have a wide variety of effects. Whether guilt is wielded intentionally or not, it prevents healthy communication and connections with others. Some of the most immediate effects of this form of covert psychological manipulation include:

Damage to Relationships

Research suggests that guilt trips can take a toll on close relationships. One study found that people hurt by their partner's criticism were more likely to use those hurt feelings to make their partner feel guilty and offer reassurances.

However, the study also found that the partner who had been guilt-tripped into offering assurances was more likely to feel significantly worse about the relationship.

In other words, inducing feelings of guilt may work to get your partner to do what you want—but it comes at a cost. It can impair trust and cause the other person to feel that they are being manipulated. 

One of the reasons why guilt trips can poison relationships is because they can lead to lasting feelings of resentment.

"A guilt trip imposes aversive states associated with guilt, along with feelings of resentment from feeling manipulated," Humeny suggests.

A single occasion of someone using a guilt trip to alter your behavior might not have a serious impact on your relationship. Repeated use of guilt trips can leave you feeling bitter.

If you feel that your partner is always going to guilt you into something that you don't want to do, it can decrease intimacy, reduce emotional closeness, and ultimately make you start to resent your partner.

Research suggests that appeals to guilt are a common type of persuasion technique . However, while guilt can compel people to take certain actions, it can also sometimes backfire.

Low-level guilt tends to motivate people to act on the persuasive message. High levels of guilt, however, often fail due to what researchers call "reactance." 

"An individual in a state of reactance will behave in such a way as to restore his freedom (or, at least, his sense of freedom), for example, by performing behaviors that are contrary to those required," explain researchers Aurélien Graton and Melody Mailliez in a 2019 article published in the journal Behavioral Sciences .

In other words, guilt trips can backfire and lead people to behave opposite how someone else wants them to act. For example, someone guilt-tripping you into calling them more often might actually result in calling them less.

Poor Well-being

Feelings of excessive guilt are associated with several mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression , and obsessive-compulsive disorder . Being subjected to guilt trips may contribute to the development or worsening of such conditions.

Experiencing guilt can also lead to many immediate and unpleasant emotions and symptoms such as anxiety, sadness, regret, worry, muscle tension, and insomnia.

This type of covert manipulation may also sometimes contribute to the development of a guilt complex , which is a persistent belief that you have done (or will do) something wrong.

Over time, guilt can lead to feelings of shame. Shame can affect your self-image, which can then contribute to social withdrawal and isolation.

How to Cope With Guilt Tripping

There are a number of tactics that can be helpful when dealing with a guilt trip. Some steps you can take include:

• Acknowledge the request. Let them know that you understand that it is important to them. Responding with empathy and showing that you see their needs may help them feel that they are not simply being ignored. Validating their emotions may help lessen the intensity of those feelings.
• Share your feelings . Explain that you also see how they are trying to make you feel guilty so that you'll do what they want. Then tell them how that type of manipulation makes you feel. Suggest that interacting in that way will lead to resentment and that more direct communication forms would be more effective. 
• Set boundaries . Boundaries help set limits on what you will and will not accept. Even if you do end up helping them with their request, make sure you clearly articulate your limits and explain the consequences of crossing those boundaries. Then be sure that you enforce those limits if they are crossed.

Other things that you can use include protecting your self-esteem and distancing yourself if needed. You're more likely to fall for a guilt trip if you already feel poorly about yourself, so find strategies to build up your sense of self-worth. 

If the other person keeps trying to manipulate you with feelings of guilt, reduce your communication with them or even consider ending the relationship.

Protecting your own well-being should be a top priority. A person who tries to manipulate you with toxic feelings of shame and guilt does not have your best interests at heart.

Getting Help for Guilt

If you are experiencing feelings of guilt or related symptoms of anxiety, stress, or depression, talk to your health care provider or a mental health professional. They can recommend treatment options such as psychotherapy or medications that can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of your life.

Your doctor or therapist may suggest a type of therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) , which may help reduce inappropriate guilt feelings. This type of therapy can help you identify and change the negative thoughts and cognitive distortions that can contribute to feelings of guilt.

Your therapist can also help you learn to recognize the signs of a guilt trip—and help you practice strategies to cope with this type of emotional manipulation.

An example of guilt tripping might be your friend calling you and saying, "I know you are too busy with work to hang out. I'll just spend the evening by myself. I just thought that since I helped you get that job you would make sure to make a little more time for me." This type of comment is designed to induce feelings of guilt and bring up the idea that you "owe" them in some way.

Guilt tripping is often designed to manipulate other people by preying on their emotions and feelings of guilt or responsibility. This can be a form of toxic behavior that can have detrimental effects on a person's well-being as well as their relationships.

While both behaviors are destructive and toxic, they differ in key ways. Gaslighting is a type of emotional abuse that involves denying another person's reality and making them question their own experiences. Guilt tripping, on the other hand, is about causing another person to feel guilty in order to get them to change their behavior.

Humeny C. A qualitative investigation of a guilt trip . Conference: Institute of Cognitive Science Spring Proceedings.

Overall NC, Girme YU, Lemay EP Jr, Hammond MD. Attachment anxiety and reactions to relationship threat: the benefits and costs of inducing guilt in romantic partners . J Pers Soc Psychol . 2014;106(2):235-56. doi:10.1037/a0034371

Aurélien G, Melody M. A theory of guilt appeals: a review showing the importance of investigating cognitive processes as mediators between emotion and behavior .  Behav Sci (Basel) . 2019;9(12):117. doi:10.3390/bs9120117

Tilghman-Osborne C, Cole DA, Felton JW.  Definition and measurement of guilt: Implications for clinical research and practice .  Clin Psychol Rev . 2010;30(5):536-546. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.007

Miceli M, Castelfranchi C.  Reconsidering the differences between shame and guilt .  Eur J Psychol . 2018;14(3):710-733. doi:10.5964/ejop.v14i3.1564

Herr NR, Jones AC, Cohn DM, Weber DM.  The impact of validation and invalidation on aggression in individuals with emotion regulation difficulties .  Personal Disord . 2015;6(4):310-4. doi:10.1037/per0000129

Cleantis T. Boundaries and self-care . Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.

Hedman E, Ström P, Stünkel A, Mörtberg E. Shame and guilt in social anxiety disorder: effects of cognitive behavior therapy and association with social anxiety and depressive symptoms . PLoS One . 2013;8(4):e61713. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0061713

Johnson VE, Nadal KL, Sissoko DRG, King R. "It's not in your head": Gaslighting, 'splaining, victim blaming, and other harmful reactions to microaggressions .  Perspect Psychol Sci . 2021;16(5):1024-1036. doi:10.1177/17456916211011963

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Plan Your Trip

What Are Tourist Traps

Published: November 19, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Leilah Coakley

• Travel Guide

Introduction

When planning a trip, one of the key considerations is how to make the most of your time and money. However, amidst the excitement of exploring new destinations, it’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls that can turn your dream vacation into a disappointing experience. This is where the concept of “tourist traps” comes into play.

Tourist traps are typically places or attractions that are specifically designed to attract and take advantage of unsuspecting travelers. These are often characterized by inflated prices, overcrowding, and subpar experiences, all in the name of making a quick profit. While not all tourist attractions fall into this category, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and learn how to identify and avoid them.

So, why do tourist traps exist? Well, with the rise of global tourism, there is a growing demand for unique and authentic experiences. Unfortunately, not all businesses and individuals are willing to provide these experiences genuinely. Instead, they opt for shortcuts and gimmicks to lure in tourists and extract as much money as possible.

That being said, it’s important to approach the concept of tourist traps with a balanced mindset. Not all attractions that are popular among tourists are necessarily traps. There are many renowned landmarks and attractions that are worth visiting and offer genuine experiences. The key is to be able to differentiate between what’s truly authentic and what’s just a facade.

Definition of Tourist Traps

Tourist traps can be defined as places, businesses, or attractions that specifically target tourists and aim to extract as much money as possible from them without providing genuine value in return. These traps often rely on deceptive marketing tactics, inflated prices, and subpar experiences to maximize profits.

One of the key characteristics of tourist traps is their ability to create a sense of urgency or exclusivity. This can be seen through limited-time offers, “one-time-only” deals, or claims of being a “must-see” attraction. These tactics play on the fear of missing out (FOMO) and often result in tourists hastily parting with their money, only to be left disappointed.

Another common trait of tourist traps is the manipulation of emotions. They are designed to evoke a sense of excitement, wonder, or even guilt in order to prompt travelers to spend more. For example, attractions that feature animal shows or interactions may tug at the heartstrings of animal lovers, leading them to pay exorbitant fees for a brief encounter.

It’s important to note that not all popular tourist attractions are traps. There are many genuine and worthwhile places to visit that attract large crowds of tourists for valid reasons. The distinction lies in the intention behind the attraction. A genuine tourist destination seeks to enhance the visitor experience and provide value, while a tourist trap aims to exploit the visitor’s lack of knowledge or vulnerability.

Tourist traps can manifest in various forms, such as overpriced restaurants in popular tourist areas, tacky souvenir shops, or even entire cities that have built their economy solely around tourism. These traps often prioritize quantity over quality, catering to the masses rather than offering an authentic and memorable experience.

Ultimately, the definition of a tourist trap is subjective and can vary from person to person. What one traveler may consider a trap, another may find enjoyable. It is important for travelers to be aware of the warning signs and make informed decisions when it comes to choosing their activities and spending their money.

Characteristics of Tourist Traps

Tourist traps share a number of common characteristics that distinguish them from authentic and worthwhile attractions. By understanding these characteristics, travelers can better identify and avoid falling into tourist traps.

1. Overpriced: One of the most tell-tale signs of a tourist trap is inflated prices. From overpriced food and drinks to exorbitant entry fees, tourist traps often capitalize on the fact that tourists may be willing to spend more without questioning the value they are receiving.

2. Crowded: Tourist traps tend to attract large crowds of tourists, which can lead to overcrowding. This not only diminishes the experience for visitors but also provides an opportunity for businesses to rush through services and cut corners.

3. Tacky and Generic: Many tourist traps feature generic or clichéd elements that lack authenticity. This can be seen in souvenir shops selling mass-produced knick-knacks, restaurants offering generic menus catered to international tastes, or attractions that rely heavily on gimmicks rather than genuine cultural or historical significance.

4. Aggressive Marketing: Tourist traps often employ aggressive marketing tactics to target unsuspecting travelers. This can include pushy street vendors, constant advertising, or misleading information that creates a sense of urgency or exclusivity.

5. Lack of Local Presence: Authentic and worthwhile attractions often have a strong connection to the local culture and community. In contrast, tourist traps may lack any genuine local presence, as they are primarily geared towards extracting money from tourists rather than benefiting the local economy.

6. Limited or Poor Reviews: Researching customer reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights into whether an attraction is a tourist trap. Negative reviews highlighting high prices, unfulfilled promises, or a lack of authenticity are warning signs to look out for.

7. Unforeseen Extra Charges: Tourist traps often use hidden fees or additional charges to increase their profits. These can take the form of mandatory service charges, unexpected taxes, or supplementary fees for essential amenities.

Recognizing these characteristics can help travelers make informed decisions and avoid falling into tourist traps. By seeking out authentic experiences that prioritize quality, uniqueness, and genuine cultural immersion, travelers can ensure a more enjoyable and fulfilling journey.

Common Tourist Traps Around the World

Tourist traps exist in various forms and destinations around the world. While it’s important to note that not all popular attractions are traps, there are some well-known spots that have gained a reputation for taking advantage of unsuspecting tourists. Here are a few common tourist traps to be aware of:

1. Times Square, New York City: While undoubtedly iconic, Times Square is notorious for its high prices and overcrowding. Visitors often find themselves bombarded with aggressive street vendors and inflated prices for food and souvenirs.

2. The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul: Considered one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar can be overwhelming for tourists due to its maze-like layout and persistent salespeople. Bargaining is essential to avoid overpaying for items.

3. The Eiffel Tower, Paris: As one of the most visited landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower attracts large crowds year-round. Tourists should be cautious of unauthorized sellers or scammers offering “skip-the-line” tickets at inflated prices.

4. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand: While the idea of a floating market sounds charming, the reality of Damnoen Saduak is often overcrowded with tourists and vendors selling overpriced souvenirs. For a more authentic experience, exploring smaller, lesser-known floating markets is recommended.

5. Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco: This popular tourist area is filled with souvenir shops, overpriced seafood restaurants, and gimmicky attractions. Visitors are advised to explore other neighborhoods in San Francisco for a more genuine local experience.

6. Pisa’s Leaning Tower, Italy: The Leaning Tower of Pisa is undoubtedly an iconic landmark, but it has also become synonymous with tourist traps. Overpriced restaurants, street vendors, and tacky souvenir shops surround the area, detracting from the historical significance of the tower.

7. Kuta Beach, Bali: Kuta Beach is a popular tourist spot known for its vibrant nightlife and beachfront resorts. However, it has also become a tourist trap with inflated prices, aggressive touts, and overcrowded beaches. Exploring other areas of Bali can provide a more authentic and peaceful experience.

While these examples highlight some well-known tourist traps, it’s important to remember that there are countless other destinations where tourist traps can be found. Doing thorough research, reading reviews, and seeking advice from locals or experienced travelers can help avoid falling into these traps and ensure a more enjoyable and authentic travel experience.

Impact of Tourist Traps on Local Culture and Economy

While tourism can bring many benefits to a destination, the presence of tourist traps can have negative impacts on both the local culture and economy. Understanding these impacts is crucial in order to foster sustainable and responsible travel practices.

One of the main concerns regarding tourist traps is the erosion of local culture. When tourist traps prioritize catering to the masses and meeting international expectations, they often neglect genuine cultural experiences. This can lead to the commodification and dilution of local traditions, as businesses prioritize profit over preserving and showcasing authentic cultural heritage.

Moreover, the over-commercialization of a destination due to tourist traps can lead to the displacement of local businesses. As large chains and international brands move in to cater to the tourist demand, local entrepreneurs and vendors are often pushed out. This not only diminishes the economic opportunities for locals but also contributes to the homogenization of the destination’s offerings, reducing its uniqueness and charm.

Furthermore, the presence of tourist traps can create a dependency on tourism as the sole source of income for a community or region. When the economy becomes overly reliant on tourism, it can be vulnerable to fluctuations and downturns in the industry. This can result in economic instability and lack of diversification, making the local community more susceptible to the negative impacts of crises such as natural disasters or global events.

Another consequence of tourist traps is the widening wealth gap between those who directly benefit from tourism and those who do not. In many cases, the profits generated by tourist traps do not trickle down to the local community, as they are often siphoned off by large corporations or outside investors. This inequality can lead to social tensions and resentment among local residents.

Moreover, the overcrowding caused by tourist traps can have negative environmental impacts. Ecologically sensitive areas can become degraded due to the influx of visitors, leading to pollution, habitat destruction, and strain on local resources such as water and energy.

To mitigate these negative impacts, it is important for tourists to be conscious of their choices and support local businesses and initiatives that promote sustainability and cultural preservation. Engaging in responsible tourism practices, such as staying in locally-owned accommodations, dining at local establishments, and participating in community-based tourism initiatives, can help ensure that the benefits of tourism are more evenly distributed and contribute to the long-term well-being of the destination and its inhabitants.

Tips to Avoid Falling into Tourist Traps

While it can be challenging to navigate the tourism landscape and identify tourist traps, there are several tips that can help travelers avoid falling into their traps and have a more authentic and fulfilling travel experience:

1. Do Your Research: Before visiting a destination, conduct thorough research about popular attractions and tourist areas. Read reviews, check forums, and consult travel blogs to get insights from other travelers about their experiences. Look for recommendations from locals or experienced travelers to find hidden gems off the beaten path.

2. Seek Local Advice: Locals are often the best source of information when it comes to avoiding tourist traps. Strike up conversations with locals, ask for recommendations, and seek their advice on where to go and what to avoid. They can provide valuable insights into authentic cultural experiences and steer you away from touristy areas.

3. Be Wary of Aggressive Marketing: Tourist traps often employ aggressive marketing tactics to lure in unsuspecting visitors. Be cautious of street vendors who are overly pushy, shops with flashy signs and exaggerated claims, or tour operators offering unrealistic deals. Take your time and make informed decisions rather than succumbing to high-pressure sales tactics.

4. Follow the Locals: Look for where the locals go. If you see a crowded restaurant or bustling market full of locals, chances are it’s an authentic spot worth exploring. Ask locals for recommendations on where to eat, drink, and shop, as they will guide you towards genuine local experiences.

5. Compare Prices: Tourist traps often overcharge for products and services. Compare prices at different establishments and ask locals for price estimates to ensure you’re not being ripped off. Avoid establishments that don’t display clear pricing or try to negotiate prices aggressively.

6. Avoid Tourist Hotspots during Peak Hours: Popular tourist attractions are often most crowded during peak hours. If possible, visit these attractions early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the crowds. This will allow you to have a more enjoyable experience without feeling overwhelmed.

7. Embrace Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences: Consider exploring lesser-known areas or pursuing alternative activities that are off the typical tourist radar. This can provide a more authentic and unique experience while minimizing the chances of falling into tourist traps.

8. Use Local Transportation: Instead of relying solely on tourist transport options, use local modes of transportation like buses, trains, or trams. This not only provides a more authentic experience but also helps support the local economy.

By following these tips, travelers can avoid falling into tourist traps and instead discover the authentic essence of a destination. Remember, the goal is to embrace cultural immersion, interact with the locals, and create meaningful memories that go beyond the clichés of mass tourism.

Tourist traps can pose a challenge for travelers seeking genuine and memorable experiences. It’s important to approach travel with a critical mindset, doing research, seeking local advice, and being aware of the warning signs that indicate a tourist trap. By avoiding these traps, travelers can support local businesses, preserve local culture, and have a more authentic travel experience.

While not all popular tourist attractions are traps, it’s essential to be mindful of inflated prices, generic experiences, aggressive marketing tactics, and overcrowding. By seeking out off-the-beaten-path destinations, engaging with the local community, and supporting sustainable tourism practices, travelers can make a positive impact and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.

Remember, the true beauty of travel lies in exploring different cultures, connecting with people, and discovering hidden gems that offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of a destination. By avoiding tourist traps and seeking out authenticity, travelers can create cherished memories and contribute to sustainable and responsible tourism.

So, the next time you plan your trip, take the time to research, consult locals, and be discerning in your choices. By doing so, you can uncover the true essence of a place, support local communities, and make your journey a truly enriching and memorable experience.

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What does "trip and trap" mean here?

• Thread starter Maggiemoocn
• Start date Jan 31, 2020

Maggiemoocn

Senior member.

• Jan 31, 2020

Hi guys, Here is a paragraph from P35 of YiYun Li's novel "Where My Reasons End", I hope you can help me figure out in this context the meaning of "trip and trap" and the whole sentence it is in. ... Ours, yes, but it was also a home of chutes and ladders, with empty walls and yet unpacked boxes making up the grids. Each box that remained seals retained power to trip and trap. To throw or not to throw the dice: it makes little difference. In a game of luck, luck is already determined. Thank you very much. Maggie  

• Feb 1, 2020

The sealed boxes still have the power to trip you (cause you to stumble) or to trap you.  

• Dictionary entries
• Quote, rate & share
• Meaning of trip-traps

trip-traps ( English)

• Third-person singular simple present indicative form of trip-trap

This is the meaning of trip-trap :

trip-trap ( English)

Alternative forms.

• ( intransitive ) to make stomping or tapping noises while walking or running
• 2002 , Beverly Cleary, The Best of Ramona Ramona trip-trapped joyfully all the way to the parked car, and when she reached home she trip-trapped up and down the hall and all around the house.
• ( transitive , rare ) to cause one to trip-trap
• 2014 , Scott Nicholson, The Home: A Supernatural Thriller Her lips parted, Freeman was suddenly triptrapping , no, she was triptrapping him, and then they were triptrapping together […]

▾  Dictionary entries

Entries where "trip-traps" occurs:

triptraps : see also trip-traps ‎ triptraps (English) Verb triptraps Third-person singular simple present indicative form of triptrap

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Cite this page : "trip-traps" – WordSense Online Dictionary (4th June, 2024) URL: https://www.wordsense.eu/trip-traps/

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tripa (Asturian)

tripack (English)

tripacks (English)

tripada (Galician)

tripaflavină (Romanian)

tripala (Italian)

tripalas (Spanish)

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历任 , afaka , scantily , impressum

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Definition of tourist trap noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

tourist trap

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'Thirst' and 'thirsty' have recently taken on figurative meanings that include “desperate for attention, affection, or approval.”

It shouldn’t surprise us that this shift from the literal to the figurative came so soon with these particular words. After all, expressing some kind of need or desire must be one of the earliest uses of language. The word avid , a synonym for these figurative meanings, may be accurate but seems distant and technical by comparison.

Some examples of this figurative use from around the year 1600 show us in what contexts thirsty was used:

an Emperour so ambitious, and thirsty of honour hungry and thirsty after gods word you see my sword's not thirsty for your life

In modern English, the kinds of words that typically follow thirsty for include the following:

wisdom knowledge details

Interestingly, the words typically used with thirst for are different—violent and political rather than abstract and bureaucratic:

revenge power freedom

Thirst and thirsty have more recently taken on intensified figurative meanings on social media that include “desperate for attention, affection, or approval”:

https://twitter.com/dcseifert/status/976135939012644864

Unsurprisingly—this is the internet, after all—this definition quickly extended to “desperate for romantic attention or approval of one’s attractiveness.” Use of thirsty in this way keeps avidity in the realm of the carnal, with all that such imagery entails , incorporating a sense of urgency, immediacy, and physicality. It’s a usage that goes beyond “eagerness” to words like “lust” and “greed,” which are used in some of the Urban Dictionary entries for thirst . Indeed, just as hunger and thirst are primary biological imperatives, one could say that a primary motive of social media is most simply expressed as: “look at me!”

“Look at me!” is the most basic definition of another thirst derivative on social media: the thirst trap . A refined twist on selfie culture, a thirst trap is often a photo used to entice a response, usually in the form of praise, compliments, or more explicit expressions of ardent desire. It was first defined in Urban Dictionary in 2011, with the following sober definition:

any statement or picture used to intentionally create attention or “thirst”

An early use of the term in the mainstream press also provides a useful explanation:

The GQ giants names [Rihanna] Queen of the Thirst Trap, which they define as: "the act of disingenuously posting sexy photos-while suggesting the subject of the photo is something else entirely-in an effort to elicit the lust (thirst) of followers." We like this definition. — Jess Wilson, The Mirror , 3 December 2013

This being a largely visual phenomenon, Instagram is a primary locus for the thirst trap where there’s even a hashtag, #thirsttrapthursdays. Many of these might be confidently identified as NSFW , but the term has clearly spread to have broader applications, with healthy doses of internet irony. Thirst trap is entering mainstream language and journalism:

Indeed, it seems to me that this is what is happening with the idea of the “thirst trap” — shorthand, in its way, for a woman (or Idris Elba) owning her (or his) sexuality and deploying it when, where, and how she sees fit. — Brendan O’Connor, theawl.com, 28 October 2014

Its use is now even becoming figurative itself—a metaphor on top of a metaphor—as it becomes used in ways that don’t reference a photo on social media but rather something that could or should attract attention in real life, with the term’s meaning consequently broadening, much as we now also use bandwidth to mean “mental or emotional capacity” or troll to mean “to harass or criticize” or viral to mean “suddenly popular”:

[Justin Trudeau]’s not just a thoughtful and empathetic leader, he's also an A+ thirst trap. — Jack Moore, gq.com, 1 March 2017

And, as with so much in social media, too much thirst can easily cause regret:

me: i won’t fall into another instagram thirst trap spiral me 5 minutes later: pic.twitter.com/P0Upt29CgG — Matt Bellassai (@MattBellassai) March 11, 2018

Update: This word was added in September 2023.

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trip noun 1

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What does the noun trip mean?

There are 25 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun trip , three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

trip has developed meanings and uses in subjects including

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

How common is the noun trip ?

How is the noun trip pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the noun trip come from.

Earliest known use

Middle English

The earliest known use of the noun trip is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).

OED's earliest evidence for trip is from around 1412–20, in a translation by John Lydgate, poet and prior of Hatfield Regis.

It is also recorded as a verb from the Middle English period (1150—1500).

trip is formed within English, by conversion.

Etymons: trip v.

Nearby entries

• Trionyx, n. 1835–
• trioperculate, adj. 1900–
• triorchis, n. 1650–
• triose, n. 1894–
• triose phosphate, n. 1934–
• trio-sonata, n. 1884–
• triovulate, adj. 1891–
• trioxan, n. 1915–
• trioxide, n. 1868–
• trioxy-, comb. form
• trip, n.¹ 1412–
• trip, n.² 1305–
• trip, n.³ c1386–1849
• trip, n.⁴ 1600
• Trip, n.⁵ 1909–
• trip, v. c1380–
• tripack, n. 1911–
• tripair, n. 1878–
• tripal | trypal, adj. & n. 1709–
• tripaleolate, adj. 1866–
• tripalmitin, n. 1855–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for trip, n.¹.

trip, n.¹ was first published in 1915; not yet revised.

trip, n.¹ was last modified in December 2023.

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

• corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into trip, n.¹ in December 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1915)

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OED Second Edition (1989)

• View trip, n.¹ in OED Second Edition

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Citation details

Factsheet for trip, n.¹, browse entry.

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Meaning of tourist trap in English

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• be the armpit of something idiom
• inhospitably
• sausage machine
• the Black Hole of Calcutta

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