The phrase "decentering men" gained significant traction in 2025, reflecting a growing trend among young women to prioritize personal fulfillment and independence over traditional relationship goals. The concept, popularized on platforms like TikTok, encourages women to deprioritize finding a romantic partner and instead focus on their own well-being and aspirations.

The term "decentering men" was initially coined in 2019 by author and content creator Charlie Taylor in her book, "Decentering Men: How to Decenter Men." However, it experienced a surge in popularity this year, becoming a rallying cry for women seeking to redefine their roles and expectations in society. TikTok became a central hub for this movement, with women sharing videos offering advice and encouragement on how to thrive outside of romantic relationships.

This cultural shift is exemplified by figures like Tracee Ellis Ross, who has inadvertently played a role in challenging conventional notions surrounding single women. Her Roku series, "Solo Traveling With Tracee Ellis Ross," documents her glamorous and fulfilling life as a single woman, offering a counter-narrative to the traditional image of the lonely spinster.

Kyndall Cunningham, a culture writer who covers gender, relationships, and social trends, noted the pervasiveness of the phrase this year. "I can't tell you the exact moment every other woman on my TikTok feed decided they were decentering men, but I've never heard the phrase uttered more than this past year," Cunningham said.

The rise of "decentering men" reflects a broader cultural conversation about gender roles, societal expectations, and the evolving definition of success for women. It remains to be seen how this trend will continue to shape relationships and societal norms in the years to come.