Meaning
What does Stage 5 Clinger mean?
Stage 5 Clinger refers to a person of romantic interest, that had taken signals too seriously and became overly attached and clingy.
A person like this can turn from interesting and engaging to intimidating and annoying.
A “stage 5 clinger’s” tactics include texting constantly, calling at the worst moments as well as stalking.
Origin
What's the origin of Stage 5 Clinger?
The phrase comes from the 2005 romantic comedy of David Dobkin, titled Wedding Crashers.
The film stars Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn who are playing divorce mediators who – as the title suggests – crash weddings and try to get laid as much as possible.
In the movie Jeremy, played by Vaughn is together with a terrifyingly attached girl, Gloria, played by Isla Fisher, who is called a “stage 5 clinger”.
Spread & Usage
How did Stage 5 Clinger spread?
Due to the success of the film, the expression caught on in audiences and it was quickly adopted by many.
“Stage 5 clinger” was first defined on Urban Dictionary in 2006, a year after the release of Wedding Crashers and since that time, the phrase had appeared in various contexts online, in articles as well as discussions.
External resources
- Thought Catalog – 20 Signs You Might Be A Stage Five Clinger
- Daily Mail – How to avoid a stage-five clinger