red pill

American  

[red pil] / ˈrɛd ˈpɪl /

noun

plural

red pills

1. Slang. something that makes someone aware of some unpleasant but supposedly true and important idea.

2. Slang. an masculinist ideology originating on social media and online forums which frames gender relations as inherently disadvantaging men: also, the subculture surrounding this ideology.

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verb (used with object)

red-pilled, red-pilling

1. Slang. Often red-pill, to make someone aware of some unpleasant but supposedly true and important idea.

2. Slang. Often red-pill, to persuade someone to adopt the masculinist ideology originating on social media and online forums which frames gender relations as inherently disadvantaging men.

adjective

1. Slang. Often, red-pill, relating to a masculinist ideology originating on social media and online forums which frames gender relations as inherently disadvantaging men.

Other Word Forms

• red-pilled adjective

Example Sentences

The term comes from the 1999 hit film "The Matrix", in which taking a red pill reveals a hidden and often uncomfortable truth.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

They could have taken the blue pill and lived in peace but instead they still chose the red pill, he says of Neo and rest, to play the heroes.

From Salon • Dec. 26, 2024

As Y2K threatened to destroy modern civilization, millions of people swarmed to “The Matrix” and wondered whether they should choose the red pill or wear a long leather jacket.

From Washington Post • Apr. 12, 2022

Neo takes the red pill, and everything that follows flows from that decision.

From Washington Times • Jan. 5, 2022

It’s a tendency that runs deep — for Kunzru and for many people shuttling between normalcy and alarmism, red pill and blue.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2020