The term 'Male Manipulator Music' emerged as a viral internet trope around 2020, used to categorize a specific aesthetic of indie, slowcore, and alternative rock. The meme targets listeners of bands like Radiohead, The Smiths, Joy Division, and Tame Impala, suggesting that men who obsessively flaunt these 'deep' musical tastes use them as a tool for emotional manipulation. While the music itself is often critically acclaimed, the meme satirizes the 'sad boy' persona and the perceived pretentiousness of the fans. It is frequently used in starter packs, TikTok commentary, and Twitter threads to jokingly identify romantic red flags based purely on Spotify Wrapped results.