Great Gatsbying

Publicly posting on social media something secretly meant for one person specifically in hopes to for them to interact with it. In the same vein that Jay Gatsby threw extravagant parties in hopes to attract one person.

“I wonder who Todd has a crush on he’s Great Gatsbying on his story again”

by I forget March 19, 2022

Gatsby-ing

When you post something on a social media site, with the only intention, that your crush will notice and like it.

Stop Gatsby-ing so much! You only put that pic on Instagram, because you hoped your crush would see it!

by Woozie-mu April 27, 2017

the great gatsby

“old sport” almost 100 times.

“hey, old sport!” -jay gatsby, every page in the great gatsby

by ollie :/ March 21, 2021

Gatsby Story

When you make a private story just so one person will see it and reply to you

I made a Gatsby Story to get Niamh to reply to me

by OnisionSpeaksLordOfCucks November 9, 2020

Gatsby Syndrome

Posting, Reposting, Liking, or any other form of sharing on social media, with the intent of someone specific seeing the "message"

1. Posting something hoping your crush will see is an example of gatsby syndrome, you got this!

2. Liking a post about how the "love of your life" hurt you is also Gatsby Syndrome, you tell them bestie 💞

by theatergeeeek October 5, 2025

Pulling a Gatsby

(Verb) to befriend someone just to get closer to your crush.

John hung out with Katie this morning just so he could talk to his crush, Jaime. He was accused of pulling a gatsby

by Skrrtskrtt May 20, 2017

Gatsby Clean

A superficial or hurried method of cleaning a space by hiding clutter in closets, under furniture, or out of sight in order to give the appearance of tidiness—typically done to impress guests or visitors. Inspired by the extravagant yet carefully staged appearances in The Great Gatsby

I didn’t have time to deep clean before the dinner party, so I just did a Gatsby Clean—shoved the laundry in the closet and wiped down the counters.

by Hehebene June 3, 2025