‘Toothing’ is the sex trend millennials want to forget as Gen Z are lucky to have never experienced

Back in the early 2000s, when flip phones and clunky Nokias were at the height of cool, a bizarre craze was making headlines across the UK. Long before Tinder swipes and Hinge prompts, there was something far stranger going on: a trend called “toothing”.

On paper, it sounded like a scene straight out of a late-night Channel 4 documentary. Train commuters fumbling with their mobile phones weren’t just killing time playing Snake. They could have been looking for strangers to hook up with, thanks to Bluetooth, which was the all-new hip technology at the time.

As originally reported by Reuters via ABC back in 2004: “Toothing is a form of anonymous sex with strangers, usually on some form of transport or enclosed area such as a conference or training seminar”.

This was also according to a specific 'Beginner's Guide To Toothing' website.

Electronic gadgets that have no further use (OwenPrice / Getty Images))

Only having been just introduced to the masses in that same year, Bluetooth technology allowed phones to send contacts, pictures and messages to nearby devices within about 10 metres. While the feature was designed to share files, music or numbers, people quickly discovered they could use it to send cheeky anonymous messages to strangers.

This was the rise of 'bluejacking', which was all about surprising someone nearby with a random message. But the toothing trend went a step further, suggesting those anonymous messages could turn into illicit meet-ups. Whether it was on a train, in a bar, or even while doing the weekly food shop, it was pitched as the naughtiest high-tech game in town.

At the time, other outlets reported it with a mix of shock and intrigue. Commuters were warned that the person sitting across from them could be using their phone for much more than texting mates.

Of course, looking back two decades later, it feels more like a moral panic than a meaningful cultural movement. Unlike online dating apps that became firmly embedded in how people connect, toothing is one of those fleeting internet-age stories that has mostly faded into obscurity.

Couple flirting on train (Flashpop / Getty Images)

Many millennials might cringe remembering how it was hyped, while Gen Z are probably glad they never had to sit on a packed train, wondering if their phone was about to light up with a dodgy invite.

What remains is a curious reminder of how new technology often inspires a mix of excitement and fear, especially when it comes to relationships and sex. Before swiping right was a thing, there was the strange little moment in time where Bluetooth was briefly seen as the future of anonymous hookups.