Everyone in my friend group calls me Barbie. What do they mean by that?

[Anonymous]

I’ve been in a good friend group with some guys ever since 7th grade. When 9th grade rolled around, they all started calling me Barbie. When I asked them why, they said “everything about you looks exactly like a Barbie.” I have level 6 blonde hair, blue eyes, pale skin, and I don’t wear pink all the time and barely even any makeup. The name is pretty controversial, so from what I’ve heard it could either mean they think I look beautiful or fake as shit. Who knows, they could even be calling me dumb or a girly-girl but I doubt that. Back in middle school, I was kind of a crusty kid still going through an awkward phase, but I think I might’ve glowed up a little now. I just want to make sure my own friends aren’t insulting me so that’s why I’m asking this question here TwT (They also think I look like Jovie from the movie “Elf”)

[Anonymous]

This one is super tricky. As someone who had a group of friends who did similar stuff and really screwed with my head for their own entertainment I can sympathise with you wanting to try to sidestep that without getting paranoid and risking what are a good group of friends just goofing off in a friendly way.

Here's my advice, just own the identity. Here's how; Say, "sure I can live with being Barbie... rich, the stereotypical great looking girl, ends up with some perfect guy.. sure whatever! lol" then if its a hot guy you can add flirtily "why you looking to be Ken?". When we own identities that might be intended as insults we take control over their nature, if they are a good group of friends they will laugh and join in the joke in the spirit you've set. If they aren't a good group of friends they will be annoyed or try to taint your light version of stuff. Just keep owning it, never take it too personally and be light an happy. If you find over time they start tagging shit onto the identity, like maybe "blondes are dumb", this is a big hint their probably not great friends. My advice is, never let on to them your offended, if they do that specific example "blondes are dumb", you laugh at them derisively and say "not this one, see you round" then just go and find other friends. Though hopefully you'll all be laughing at this injoke and you c an find lots of chances to turn it into a cool joke between friends.

Best of luck.

[RebelinSteel]

As they are friends it will not be negative, so just accept it, nearly everyone gets some form of nickname. Just grin and bear it, it could be worse

[Zoeysiren]

It depends! "Barbie" can have a few meanings. Maybe they're referencing your style, if it's preppy or polished. Or, it could be about your personality, if you're seen as fun and outgoing. It could even be a tease if you're a bit girly or particular sometimes. The best way to know for sure is to ask your friends directly. They might not even realize it bothers you! Just say something like, "Hey guys, I know you call me Barbie a lot. Can you tell me why?" They'll probably explain and maybe even come up with a new nickname if you'd like!

[Avicenna]

They're saying you look like her. It's a harmless joke.

[ChicoFromThe305]

You are either very girly, have a very attractive appearance or both

[Iron_Man]

You know what they mean you put the picture up? You’re a Barbie doll they think