“Eye candy” is slang that describes something (or someone) that is superficially attractive. But if a girl has called you eye candy, you may be curious to know what exactly she’s trying to imply or her intentions.
When a girl calls you “eye candy,” she finds you physically attractive and pleasing to look at. It is a compliment that highlights your good looks and can imply that she enjoys admiring your appearance. However, it could also suggest that she sees you as someone who serves no purpose but to be physically attractive.
If a girl has used this slang on you, don’t be quick to conclude that she means you’re all style and no substance. In the rest of this article, you’ll learn the three most common intentions girls mean when they call guys ‘eye candy.’
As a bonus, I’ll share with you, from the abundance of my repartee, the best responses (and cool things to do) when a girl calls this term.
Where did the word eye candy come from?
Like many popular slangs we use today, the origins of the term “eye candy” are not definitively known.
However, the term gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s in the entertainment industry, particularly about visually stunning films or attractive actors and actresses.
Eye candy became a way to describe individuals or things that were visually enticing and could capture one’s attention purely through appearance.
I like to think that the phrase sprouted from the idiomatic expression “candy for the eyes,” which implies that the object of admiration or attention is as delightful and captivating as candy is to the taste buds.
Today, many people use “eye candy” in colloquial language and can refer to various visually appealing aspects of contemporary cultures, such as fashion, design, artwork, or even attractive people.
So if a girl calls you eye candy, here are the three most common reasons that could point at her actual intentions for calling you that:
3 possible meanings behind when a girl calls you the eye candy
Again, the phrase “eye candy” can have different meanings depending on the context and the intention of the person using it.
After thorough research on forums where people share similar scenarios, in addition to a collection of personal encounters, here are three common possible interpretations:
- She’s genuinely complimenting/flattering you
- She means you’re all style and no substance.
- She may mean it in a demeaning way.
She’s genuinely complimenting/flattering you.
The most common meaning behind when a girl calls you eye candy is that she genuinely compliments your attractive physical appearance.
It could also mean her attempt to flatter you or establish a romantic print in the conversation.
In a positive light, calling someone “eye candy” could be a form of flattery or admiration for their attractive appearance.
So, in many cases, a girl can use this term to imply that you are visually appealing or pleasing to look at, like a treat for the eyes.
If a girl finds you irresistible and your appearance or physical body features turn her on, she can call you eye candy. It means that she first notices your looks before anything else. It means you’re the type whose looks can open doors and command favors.
If you are meeting the girl for the first time, and she doesn’t know much about you yet, then this is most likely the case.
She means you’re all style and no substance.
When a girl calls you eye candy, she could also imply that your physical attractiveness is the primary (and only) reason you’re being acknowledged or valued.
You need to consider the context of the conversation to be sure of this. For example, she could be toady and chummy around you and do you a favor because she sees you as eye candy and nothing more.
In this case, the girl focuses on surface-level qualities rather than deeper characteristics.
Here’s a typical example of when eye candy is used to express a superficial attraction.
If she’s said you’re an eye candy to express superficial attraction, then she wouldn’t even value you or give you recognition if you didn’t have that look in the first place.
It means that her attraction to you is more of the visual appeal than what’s inside you (your character)
So if it’s a lady you’re just getting to know, this could hint that she’s not necessarily attracted to you romantically. She only likes your appearance as you’re a treat for the eyes.
She may mean it in a demeaning way.
Sometimes, referring to someone as “eye candy” may be objectifying and demeaning. It reduces the person to an object of visual pleasure, disregarding their individuality, personality, or other qualities that make them who they are.
You can observe her tone and the context of the situation where she’s called you eye candy. Is it coming from a place of condescending desire?
For example, a girl can call you eye candy when you get into a heated argument with her, and she’s trying to make you feel worthless. The phrase can be used as an instrument of insult. So it’s essential to consider the situation before considering this possible meaning.
She could imply a lack of respect for your autonomy and may indicate objectification or a disregard for your feelings and worth beyond your appearance.
This is not always the case, but it’s among the possible meanings.
What to do when a girl calls you eye candy?
The best reaction or response to give when a girl calls you eye candy has to be tailored based on the specific context in which the comment was made and the genuine reaction you wish to express.
So, it depends on what you’ve interpreted the statement to have meant.
Here’s my top recommendation on things to do and what to say when a girl calls you eye candy:
1. Engage in a light conversation
If she has said it to genuinely compliment you, use the avenue as an opportunity to strike up a friendly conversation. Ask her how her day is going, what she’s been up to, or any other topic that can help you get to know each other better.
This shows that you’re interested in more than just your physical appearance. Talk about something beyond that.
2. Show interest in her personality
While physical appearance is often the first thing that catches our attention, you must show that you value her personality and intellect. This is a mirror effect.
Once she tells you you you’re not physically attractive, respond by asking about her hobbies, interests, and shared activities. This will re-engineer the conversation so she gets to know you beyond your looks.
3. Express gratitude
If she means it positively, perhaps by getting to know you, you can express gratitude. Your response is all you got in this case. You can say any of the following:
- Thank you for the kind words! I appreciate the compliment. It’s nice to know that you find me visually appealing.”
- “That’s very sweet of you to say! I’m glad you think I’m eye candy. It’s always nice to be appreciated for one’s appearance.
4. Let her know there’s more to where that came from
Girls can call you eye candy when they don’t see any exceptional quality in you rather than being drop-dead attractive. In this case, she means it as a superficial attraction. So you can respond confidently with any of these words:
- There’s more to me than being eye candy. I have other qualities that I value as well.
- While I appreciate the comment, I hope you also see beyond my looks.
- There’s more to a person than being eye candy.
- I understand that you find me visually appealing, but I hope you’re interested in getting to know me beyond my appearance.
5. If you feel objectified by the statement, let her know
Let her know you prefer to be recognized for your qualities beyond just your looks.
- I want to take that as a compliment, but I value being seen as a whole person with thoughts, feelings, and unique attributes.
- While I appreciate the sentiment, being called eye candy can feel objectifying.
- I would prefer to be acknowledged for my character and other aspects that make me who I am.
Final thoughts
When someone is called eye candy, it is generally (and quickly) interpreted as someone that is visually attractive or pleasing. And in many contexts, the speaker is trying to insinuate that the person isn’t worth any other merit than being physically attractive.
In your situation, this is most likely the case.
But consider all the possible meanings explained in the above article before concluding.
