When someone on a dating site wears a hat in all their pictures to conceal the fact that they are bald.
This guy is wearing either a cowboy hat or a bandana in every picture. I think he is hatfishing me. He said to send a selfie so I texted him a picture of Betty White.
Purporting to be someone or something you are not on the Internet in order to gain friends, attention, partners, pity, sympathy or money. Named after the faux-documentary "Catfish", Catfishers have been known to post fake pictures of themselves (including but not limited to catalog images), claim to have a dying fiance or mother, or create an entirely fictional version of themselves.
Uh oh, did you see that perfectly posed photo of Donna she posted? That girl is so catfishin'.
Oh man, I heard Northlad's girlfriend is really sick. I sure hope he isn't catfishin' us.
The phenomenon of internet predators that fabricate online identities and entire social circles to trick people into emotional/romantic relationships (over a long period of time).
Possible motivations: revenge, loneliness, curiosity, boredom
The term catfishing was inspired by the 2010 documentary "Catfish."
Gwen was worried that her online boyfriend was a phoney after she saw a TV program about Catfishing.
Hiding who you really are to hook someone into an online relationship using Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, MySpace or by cell phone.
Guy 1: "Hey so I met this new girl online! She is so hot!"
Guy 2: "Have you ever seen her in person?"
Guy 1:"No, does that matter?"
Guy 2: "Better make sure she's not a catfish.."
Guy 1: "You think she's catfishing?!"