Etymology From Middle French social, from Latin sociālis (“of or belonging to a companion or companionship or association, social”), from socius (“a companion, fellow, partner, associate, ally”), from sequor (“follow”). Cognate with English seg (“man, companion, fellow”). More at seg.
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Being extroverted or outgoing.
James is a very social guy; he knows lots of people.
Not ignoring what is good, I am quick to perceive a horror, and could still be social with it—would they let me—since it is but well to be on friendly terms with all the inmates of the place one lodges in.1851, Herman Melville, Moby Dick, Chapter 1:
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Of or relating to society.
Phoenix and Lubbock are both caught in severe drought, and it is going to get much worse. We may see many such [dust] storms in the decades ahead, along with species extinctions, radical disturbance of ecosystems, and intensified social conflict over land and water. Welcome to the Anthropocene, the epoch when humans have become a major geological and climatic force.2012 January 23, Donald Worster, “A Drier and Hotter Future”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 1, archived from the original on 26 Jan 2012, page 70:
Teresa feels uncomfortable in certain social situations.
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Unemployment is a social problem.
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Internet Relating to social media or social networks.
Etymology From Middle French social, from Latin sociālis (“of or belonging to a companion or companionship or association, social”), from socius (“a companion, fellow, partner, associate, ally”), from sequor (“follow”). Cognate with English seg (“man, companion, fellow”). More at seg.
US, Abbreviation, Colloquial, Ellipsis Ellipsis of social security number.
What's your social? [asked so that the asker can look up your account details]
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Ireland, Dated A dinner dance event, usually held annually by a company or sporting club.
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Canada, Abbreviation, Ellipsis Ellipsis of social studies.
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Internet, Abbreviation, Ellipsis, Informal Ellipsis of social media.
“I saw that shift, and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s the future of social,’” Systrom said.2023 January 31, Casey Newton, quoting Kevin Systrom, “Instagram’s co-founders are back with Artifact, a kind of TikTok for text”, in The Verge, archived from the original on 02 Apr 2024:
It went mainstream after it was dubbed the "vampire facial" on social.2026, Brian Underwood, “When You Can Turn Back Time”, in Men's Health, volume 41, number 2, page 31:
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Internet, Informal A social media account; the username or handle thereof, or a link thereto.
Also check out some other experts in this topic — their socials are in the pinned comment below.
Close your mouth and delete all your socials tonight.2019 August 29, “Cheeto Christ Stupid Czar”, Randy Rainbow (lyrics), Andrew Lloyd Webber (music)performed by Randy Rainbow:
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Nearly a week after the Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost became Pope Leo XIV, the world is still adjusting to the fact that he has an American family that does typically American things. The Borgias, for all their many sins, never posted crude or spicy memes to the socials.2025 May 13, Richard Fausset, “The Pope’s Florida Brother, a MAGA Disciple, Plans to ‘Tone It Down’”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 14 May 2025:
Being extroverted or outgoing.