People online are distressed at men butchering words such as ‘hyperbole’ and ‘hors d’oeuvres’ – highlighting a gender reversal in ‘intelligence gaps’
Women are giving their partners the ‘Illiterate Boyfriend’ test: ‘Do your best to pronounce these words’
People online are distressed at men butchering words such as ‘hyperbole’ and ‘hors d’oeuvres’ – highlighting a gender reversal in ‘intelligence gaps’ There are common non-negotiables we look for in a prospective...
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People online are distressed at men butchering words such as ‘hyperbole’ and ‘hors d’oeuvres’ – highlighting a gender reversal in ‘intelligence gaps’ There are common non-negotiables we look for in a prospective partner. They should be kind, caring and thoughtful. Having a shared interest helps. So does remembering important dates and anniversaries. But how...
Key points
- People online are distressed at men butchering words such as ‘hyperbole’ and ‘hors d’oeuvres’ – highlighting a gender reversal in ‘intelligence gaps’ There are common non-negotiables we...
- So does remembering important dates and anniversaries.
- But how much does it matter if they know how to pronounce the word “gnocchi”?
Context
This story is part of the United Kingdom coverage. The original reporting source identified by the page is The Guardian. Publication date: September 3, 2026 at 07:00.
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The next relevant developments are those connected to the facts and consequences described above; this page may be updated if the source material changes.
Editorial reading aid based on the information contained in this story and its identified source.
There are common non-negotiables we look for in a prospective partner. They should be kind, caring and thoughtful. Having a shared interest helps. So does remembering important dates and anniversaries. But how much does it matter if they know how to pronounce the word “gnocchi”?
Turns out that’s a potential dealbreaker, at least according to a (rather judgy) cohort on TikTok. See: the “Illiterate Boyfriend” trend, which is testing some couples on the app. Users have compiled a list of what are essentially SAT words for women to ask their male partners to read. Many of these men – this is an overwhelmingly heterosexual activity – fail to finish the list unscathed. They trip over entries such as “hyperbole”, “cynicism”, “diaphragmatic” and the oft-butchered French term, “hors d’oeuvres”.
Source: The Guardian
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This editorial update is based on information published by The Guardian. The source link is provided for transparency and verification.
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