Looksmaxxing

Looksmaxxing (sometimes spelled looksmaxing) is a term originating on male incel message boards in the 2010s, referring to a process of maximizing one’s own physical attractiveness. In the 2020s, the term left relatively obscure internet forums, and was popularised on TikTok and social media groups mainly used by men.

While online looksmaxxing communities have encouraged superficial practices to improve appearance, they have also promoted more extreme interventions, such as jaw surgery. Online forums have been criticized for contributing to body dysmorphia. The spread of the concept on TikTok is said to exclude many of the "toxic" elements seen on forums.