The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Trendspotter: Bromances

Bromance is not just a show on MTV. Over the last year or so, the term “bromance” has gained a good deal of popularity, although the term was actually coined by the editor the skateboard magazine Big Brother in the 1990s. Urban Dictionary defines a bromance as “a complicated love and affection shared by two straight males.”

These bromances are occurring all over the country with male friends who are looking for all of the benefits that a relationship with a female companion encompasses, minus the sex. For all the guys out there asking, What’s the point of two straight dudes having this relationship, the point is for two men to be able to chill without facing homophobic ridicule.

Some famous bromances in history include those between Bill Clinton and Al Gore, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, and doctors Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) and James Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) of Fox drama series “House.”

All this talk about bromances makes one wonder, “What is the female version of a bromance?” The answer is simple: There isn’t one. Women aren’t as insecure as men, which is why they don’t make up a fictional word to justify their feelings for their same-sex friends.

Even though this great state’s Supreme Court just ruled in favor of same-sex marriage, it will likely be awhile before we see any legal recognition for bromances.

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