They’re a 10 overseas but a dud on home soil.
The term “losers back home” has entered the vernacular following the season three premiere of HBO’s “The White Lotus,” in which the term is used to refer to the proliferation of “bald, white guys” in Thailand.
Defined as a “stereotype of the older, rich, bald white male…who retires to Thailand with a much younger wife,” the name “LBH” has stirred up controversy among men living overseas, with some expats angered by the moniker.
An Australian YouTuber named Sam, who operates under the channel name “Gone Adrift,” claimed the series’ one-liner was “upsetting expats.”
In fact, Sam, who now resides in Thailand, said he felt “personally affronted” by the remark.
He admitted to “absolutely” being “a loser back home” — saying he performed poorly in school, didn’t go to traditional university and his career was not financially rewarded — but insisted that the term didn’t apply to every expat.
Many of his friends who relocated to Thailand were “very accomplished” in their home countries prior to moving, he clarified.
“I’m happy to accept that term, but I I’m not happy to accept the notion that anyone who decides to leave their country in the west and move to Thailand or any other country around the world is automatically a loser,” Sam said.
“Proud ‘LBH’ here enjoying life with my Thai wife in Thailand,” commented one viewer, while another said they “get the whole LBH mentality” and “happily fit the bill.”
On TikTok, creator Travis Leon addressed the “‘loser back home’ insult,” saying his “issue” with the term is that it is a “generalization.”
He argued that, while he can see where the insult may have come from because of “bad characters,” many people move to other countries to explore new opportunities and cultures.
“Most times that I’ve seen this insult typically come from people that have chosen a more traditional, conventional path in life,” he said in a past video.
“They live closer to home, they seem just generally unhappy in their life, so they hate on people online.”
“I like to call them ‘losers stuck at home,’” he quipped.
On Instagram, one content creator from Thailand approached “bald white guys” at a local bar in Bangkok to ask their opinions on the phrase.
One man argued that “guys are going through sacrifice to make everyone else look good at the moment,” further claiming that people believe “men are the worst thing.” Men, he added, are “being preyed upon.”
When asked if he felt “more attractive” in Thailand than back home in the UK, the anonymous man — who described himself as short, bald and tattooed — said yes, because “in England, you’re just classed like someone who just got out of prison.”
“White, bald, short guys are amazing!” he cheered.