Paperclipping
What does Paperclipping mean?
Paperclipping is dating slang for an ex or former romantic interest periodically popping back up with a low-effort message or reaction, then disappearing again without seriously rebuilding the connection.
Paperclipping used in a sentence
“Every few months he sends 'hey stranger' and vanishes, which is textbook paperclipping.”
This example shows the term in context rather than treating the definition as a literal word-for-word substitution. Slang often depends on tone, audience, and the conversation around it.
How do you use Paperclipping?
Paperclipping keeps a line of contact barely alive. The messages are often just enough to regain attention or keep someone as a future option, but they are not followed by the consistent effort expected from a genuine attempt to reconnect.
Where did Paperclipping come from?
The term spread in 2019 and references Clippy, the old Microsoft Office paperclip assistant that would unexpectedly pop onto the screen. The dating metaphor uses that same irritating reappearance for people who resurface without a clear purpose.
Common variations of Paperclipping
paperclipper
A person who repeatedly resurfaces with low-effort contact.
getting paperclipped
Receiving one of these intermittent messages from a past romantic connection.
Paperclipping: frequently asked questions
How is paperclipping different from haunting?
Paperclipping usually includes an actual message or check-in, while haunting can remain entirely passive through views and likes.
Does every message from an ex count?
No. The term fits repeated low-effort reappearances without a sincere, sustained attempt to reconnect.