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what are eskimo brothers

Eskimo brothers is a slang term for two men who have had sex with the same person (traditionally described as the same woman), usually at different times.

Quick Scoop: Core Meaning

  • The term describes a kind of joking “bond” or informal fraternity between guys who’ve slept with the same partner.
  • It’s often used in casual, locker-room style conversation or online forum discussions, especially around dating stories and hookup culture.

“We hooked up with the same girl? Guess we’re Eskimo brothers now.”

There’s also a parallel slang term Eskimo sisters , for two women who’ve had sex with the same man.

Where the Term Comes From

  • Modern popularity: The phrase was widely popularized by the U.S. TV sitcom The League , where a character explains that when two guys sleep with the same girl, they become “Eskimo brothers.”
  • Older theories: Some explanations (now criticized) linked it to stereotypes about Inuit or “Eskimo” hospitality and sharing of partners, but these are likely misunderstandings or myths rather than accurate cultural descriptions.

Because of this history, many people and scholars view the “Eskimo” part of the term as outdated or offensive toward Inuit and other Arctic Indigenous peoples.

How People Use It Today

In everyday talk or forums, people might use “Eskimo brothers” to:

  • Crack jokes about discovering a shared past partner at a party or in a friend group.
  • Describe a weird or awkward coincidence in dating apps or small-town social circles.
  • Refer to celebrity or Hollywood examples where two male stars dated or hooked up with the same person.

Because it mixes sex, humor, and a real person’s dating history, it can be lighthearted among close friends but uncomfortable or disrespectful in other contexts.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • The word “Eskimo” itself is considered offensive by many; “Inuit” or specific nation names are generally preferred for real peoples and cultures.
  • Using the term about someone without their consent can feel objectifying, since it reduces them to a sexual connection between two other people.
  • Some people lean into the joke and treat it as harmless; others avoid the term entirely and just say “we both dated the same person.”

Simple example

If Alex dated Taylor in 2022, and Jordan hooks up with Taylor in 2025, Alex and Jordan might jokingly call themselves “Eskimo brothers” after they find out about the shared partner.

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“Wondering what ‘Eskimo brothers’ means? Learn the slang definition, origin, how it’s used in forum and dating culture today, plus why some people consider the term offensive.”

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