What is a flexitarian Urban Dictionary: Understanding the Term

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2016 Urban Dictionary post, a flexitarian is defined simply as "an occasional meat eater". This differs from the formal definition, which describes the dietary pattern of a flexible vegetarian who consciously reduces their meat intake while still consuming it occasionally.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the contrast between the crowdsourced Urban Dictionary definition of a flexitarian and the more formal, established dietary term. It covers the origins of the word, the nuances of the diet, and the key differences in how the term is perceived.

Key Points

Origin: The term was coined by a dietitian, not from internet slang, for a diet emphasizing flexibility.
Urban Dictionary vs. Formal: Urban Dictionary offers a simplified, anecdotal definition ("occasional meat eater"), while the formal definition emphasizes a deliberate, plant-forward diet with moderate meat.
Intent: Urban Dictionary entries are often humorous and casual, contrasting with the health or environmentally-motivated reasons for following a formal flexitarian diet.
Dietary Focus: A formal flexitarian diet focuses on intentional changes, like adding plant-based protein, not just randomly eating less meat.
Nutritional Considerations: Potential nutrient deficiencies (e.g., B12, iron) must be considered on a flexitarian diet, a concern not addressed by the Urban Dictionary definition.
Cultural Reflection: The Urban Dictionary entry reflects how the concept has been popularized and simplified within online culture.

The Roots of 'Flexitarianism': From Nutrition to Slang

The term "flexitarian" is a portmanteau of "flexible" and "vegetarian," and was coined by registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner in the early 2000s. Her work defined it as a mostly vegetarian diet that allows for the occasional consumption of meat. The philosophy behind it is not about strict elimination but conscious reduction, making it a sustainable and less restrictive approach to a plant-forward lifestyle. However, in the evolving landscape of online culture, the meaning of words can morph, and this is where the Urban Dictionary comes in.

The Urban Dictionary Take on a Flexitarian

Urban Dictionary is a crowdsourced online dictionary that documents slang and cultural phrases. A key entry defines a flexitarian bluntly as "an occasional meat eater". Unlike the nuanced formal definition, the Urban Dictionary version is often accompanied by anecdotal and less serious examples, reflecting how colloquial language is used. Examples from the platform include humorous takes like someone being a flexitarian "because I'm cheap" or simply for preferring pasta to bolognese. These definitions, while not medically or scientifically accurate, highlight a casual, often un-intentional, aspect of reduced meat consumption.

Formal vs. Crowdsourced: A Comparison

To better understand the divergence in meaning, it's helpful to compare the two perspectives directly. While the core concept of reduced meat consumption is present in both, the context and motivation are starkly different.


Aspect	Urban Dictionary Definition	Formal Definition (Dietary)
Source	Crowdsourced platform; casual contributors.	Registered dietitians, academic sources, medical professionals.
Intent	Often humorous, reflecting casual conversation or observation.	Health-conscious, environmental, or ethical motivation.
Scope	Broad and often simplistic, labeling anyone who doesn't eat meat every day.	More specific, detailing a deliberate diet focused on plant-based foods.
Tone	Informal, anecdotal, and sometimes sarcastic.	Educational, prescriptive, focused on nutritional balance.
Key Focus	Actions (eating meat occasionally).	Principles (plant-based focus, conscious reduction).

Practical Implications of the Two Definitions

The different interpretations of "flexitarian" can have real-world consequences. A person adopting a formal flexitarian diet may focus on adding new, high-protein plant sources to replace meat, such as lentils, beans, and tofu. Their goal is intentional and rooted in health or environmental reasons. Conversely, someone labeled a "flexitarian" via the Urban Dictionary definition might simply be someone who eats less meat out of habit, convenience, or cost, without a conscious effort toward a plant-forward diet. This distinction is crucial for understanding motivations and expectations.

The Urban Dictionary's Cultural Footprint

The existence of a term like "flexitarian" on a platform like Urban Dictionary speaks volumes about how language evolves. The term has become so widespread that it's no longer just a technical dietary label but part of the broader cultural lexicon. The platform, despite its sometimes-unreliable nature, provides a window into popular culture and how people informally categorize themselves and others. While it should never be a source for nutritional advice, it does offer a snapshot of how a serious topic has permeated casual conversation.

The Flexitarian Lifestyle: A Balanced Approach

Beyond the humor of Urban Dictionary, a flexitarian lifestyle is a widely recognized and healthy dietary approach. It's about moderation, not restriction, and prioritizing nutrient-dense whole foods. This allows for adaptability in social situations and can help reduce the environmental impact associated with high meat consumption. For those considering the diet, the focus should be on filling plates with fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, with small amounts of meat used to complement the meal rather than dominate it. This flexible model is often seen as a gateway for those wanting to transition to a more plant-based diet without the pressure of full vegetarianism or veganism.

A Deeper Look at Flexitarian Food Choices

Prioritize Plant Proteins: Incorporate chickpeas, lentils, tofu, and edamame as foundational protein sources.
Focus on Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and oats provide fiber and sustained energy.
Load Up on Produce: Fill the majority of your plate with a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Include Dairy and Eggs (Optional): These are often included in a flexitarian diet, providing protein and other nutrients.
Mindful Meat Consumption: When consuming meat, opt for smaller portions and choose high-quality sources, reserving it for special occasions or a couple of times a week.

Conclusion: Bridging the Gap Between Slang and Substance

In conclusion, while the Urban Dictionary definition of what is a flexitarian Urban Dictionary offers a simplified, and often humorous, view of an "occasional meat eater," it misses the depth and intentionality of the formal dietary pattern. The formal flexitarian diet, rooted in nutritional science, is a mindful eating style that promotes a plant-heavy diet with the flexibility to include meat. Understanding the difference is key to appreciating both the cultural relevance of slang and the health-oriented purpose of the actual diet. Ultimately, whether driven by humor or health, the rise of the term reflects a broader societal trend towards more conscious and varied eating habits.

For more nutritional insights from registered dietitians, consult resources like those from WebMD and Healthgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term 'flexitarian' is a blend of 'flexible' and 'vegetarian.' It was coined by dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner in the early 2000s to describe a mostly plant-based diet with occasional meat consumption.

The Urban Dictionary definition is a simplified, crowdsourced term for anyone who eats meat occasionally, without implying a conscious dietary choice. The formal definition refers to a deliberate eating pattern focused on reducing meat while increasing plant-based foods for health, environmental, or ethical reasons.

While it can be a stepping stone, a flexitarian diet is a valid and intentional eating style in its own right. It focuses on conscious, moderate meat consumption rather than complete elimination.

Yes, but care is needed. A well-planned flexitarian diet can be nutritionally complete. However, those reducing meat significantly should be mindful of nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are abundant in meat.

To start, try dedicating one or more days per week to meatless meals, and focus on incorporating plant-based proteins like legumes, tofu, and nuts. This gradual approach makes the transition easier.

Yes. Reducing meat consumption has been linked to numerous health benefits, including lower risk of heart disease and diabetes, and it can also have a positive impact on the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.

Not necessarily. While high-quality produce can be costly, plant-based proteins like beans and lentils are often more affordable than meat and poultry, potentially leading to overall savings.