Breadcrumbing

B2 16+

Pronunciation: /ˈbrɛd.krʌmɪŋ/

Definitions of breadcrumbing

noun the practice of sending out flirtatious but noncommittal text messages to potential romantic partners

Example Sentences

A1 Breadcrumbing is when someone leads you on with breadcrumbs of affection or attention.

A2 In online dating, breadcrumbing is a common tactic used to keep someone interested without committing.

B1 The act of breadcrumbing can be emotionally damaging for the person on the receiving end.

B2 Breadcrumbing is often a sign of someone who is not ready for a serious relationship.

C1 Psychologists have studied the effects of breadcrumbing on mental health and self-esteem.

C2 Breadcrumbing is a manipulative behavior that can have long-lasting consequences on relationships.

Examples of breadcrumbing in a Sentence

formal The act of breadcrumbing in online dating involves sending out flirtatious but non-committal messages to keep someone interested.

informal I hate when people start breadcrumbing me on dating apps, just be straight up about what you want.

slang Stop breadcrumbing her and just ask her out already!

figurative In a relationship, breadcrumbing can be seen as a way to keep someone on the hook without fully committing.

Grammatical Forms of breadcrumbing

past tense

breadcrumbed

plural

breadcrumbings

comparative

more breadcrumbing

superlative

most breadcrumbing

present tense

breadcrumb

future tense

will breadcrumb

perfect tense

have breadcrumbed

continuous tense

is breadcrumbing

singular

breadcrumbing

positive degree

breadcrumb

infinitive

to breadcrumb

gerund

breadcrumbing

participle

breadcrumbed

Origin and Evolution of breadcrumbing

First Known Use: 1812 year
Language of Origin: Germanic
Story behind the word: The term 'breadcrumbing' originates from the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel, where the siblings leave a trail of breadcrumbs to find their way back home.
Evolution of the word: Initially used in a literal sense to refer to leaving a trail of breadcrumbs, the term 'breadcrumbing' has evolved to describe a dating phenomenon where someone leads another person on with sporadic communication or attention.