Sassy Man Syndrome

Sophia Kang

Is it the way you act, Pookie?

Recently, an epidemic has swept the world. It has affected upwards of 20 percent of men everywhere. And a cure has yet to be developed.

The Sassy Man Apocalypse or Mandemic is the most feared disease since the 1347 Bubonic Plague. Husbands, boyfriends, brothers, sons, nephews, grandsons, regular boys, male toddlers and even infants are susceptible to this illness. Symptoms may include opinions on outfits, chronically asking if you want them dead, severe side-eyeing and proclaiming themselves to be a “passenger princess.” Women have been sharing screenshots and videos of their partners exemplifying such behaviors, ranging from texts that say “I can’t hear you lalala” to men wistfully pouting in a corner after being playfully insulted. But, amid this chaos, a question must be posed: is the Sassy Man Apocalypse a blessing in disguise?

Prayag Mishra, AKA 444pray on Tiktok, has risen to Internet fame as the leader of the Sassy Man Apocalypse. He isn’t afraid to showcase his sassy man syndrome. The influencer has coined popular phrases like “It’s the way you act” (L motion back and forth), “Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!” and “Pookaaaay” (L motion back and forth). In one of his most popular videos, Mishra explains, “You don’t choose to be sassy. If it were up to me, I’d be nonchalant and sexy. But, God wanted me to be sassy. What can I say? What can I say?” And truly, what can he say? Is this what the universe meant for men to be? Is sassy the way to go?

Despite initially shocking symptoms, the Sassy Man Apocalypse has provided several heterosexual men with the freedom to behave more femininely. No longer must they hide behind the masculine mask that has forced them to make unfunny misogynistic jokes and dress like they’ve chosen their clothes in the dark. The Sassy Mandemic has allowed them to accomplish something rarely seen in heterosexual men before: being funny.

Sassy men no longer hide in the shadows. They are represented in everything from TikTok photo slideshows to box office movies. Children’s media such as Trolls (1, 2 and 3) and Frozen (just 1, not 2) have accurately portrayed the effects of sassy man syndrome through characters like Branch and Kristoff (respectively). Percy Jackson from the popular series Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Harry Potter from some random book are famously loved for their attitude. Aside from Prayag, influencers like Drew Phillips (Emergency Intercom, The Act as Gypsy Rose Blanchard) and Weston Koury (Sinjin Drowning, Roblox Total Drama Island) have drawn in audiences with their sass.

The Sassy Man Apocalypse is upon us, so we might as well enjoy it. After all, Pookie, what can he say?

(If you believe a male close to you may be suffering from Sassy Man Syndrome, contact your local physician immediately to discuss temporary treatments such as severe humbling and talking about Jacob Elordi in front of him.)