foids

Foids is a slang term used in some online communities to refer to women, typically in a hostile or dehumanizing way. The word is often described as a shortened form of “femoid” or a portmanteau meant to imply that women are non-human or object-like. It is most commonly encountered in misogynistic discourse, including certain incel forums and some alt-right or toxic dating discussions, though it can appear in broader online conversations as well.

The term functions as a generalizing insult directed at women as a group rather than at individuals. Its usage centers on dehumanizing rhetoric that reinforces stereotypes about appearance, sexual availability, or social status. Because of its association with contemptuous attitudes toward women, foids is regarded by many as a demeaning and harmful label.

Reception and context: Foids is widely criticized as misogynistic language. Many social media platforms, moderators, and researchers classify such terms as harassment or hate speech toward a protected class (women). It has been discussed in journalism and academic analyses of online misogyny, gender-based harassment, and incel subcultures. Some communities attempt to ban or downplay the term, while others may tolerate or police it depending on local norms and policies.

See also: misogyny, dehumanization, online harassment, incel.