Wingman (social)

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This article is about uses of the term in social interaction. For the term in military aviation, see Wingman.

Wingman is a social role that a man may take when he goes to a club or bar with an accompanying male. A wingman is expected to support his friend in approaching women. The men often pick a desired woman, who is referred to as the "target." The man intending to seduce the target is often called the "pilot." The wingman is expected to back up the pilot, which typically entails talking to the target's less attractive friend(s) and making comments that will make the pilot seem more attractive. This is often referred to as "taking one for the team." The 1986 film Top Gun is often credited with bringing the term into popular usage.

The wingman motivates the pilot to be social and practice approaching women. He helps the pilot approach pairs and groups of women without the awkwardness of being alone. He will sometimes take the less attractive woman of a pair so that the pilot can get the more attractive without interruption. Other responsibilities include remembering details (i.e. target's names and personal information) as well as compensating for intoxication in the judgment of the pilot.

The pilot is usually the more skilled seducer, a man from whom the wingman can learn a great deal. However, sometimes the pilot can take the role of the wingman to help out a friend in need.

1 Famous wingmen
2 Featured in media
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] Famous wingmen

Vince Vaughn in Swingers and Wedding Crashers
Rob Schneider in 50 First Dates
Ben Affleck in Good Will Hunting
Anthony Edwards as Goose in Top Gun - is not a Wingman, but the RIO.
Cory Shafer and Kyle Clouse
Dwight Schrute (played by Rainn Wilson) claims to be Michael Scott's Wingman in an episode of The Office (US)

[edit] Featured in media

Coors Light ran a humorous commercial featuring the song "Ode to the Wingman" (or "Here's to Wingman") by Chris Lee. The action in the commercial illustrated the following lyrics:

This chick's rockin your bro' on the dance floor...
But she's towing an anchor
A junior investment banker
Who's talkin' 'bout herself and not much more, oh...
So buy her a beer, it's the reason you're here, mighty wingman
You're takin' one for the team
So your buddy can live the dream
Wingman...