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Work Drama

Professor Accidentally Says “Netflix and Chill” to Students

📅 February 18, 2026 👁️ 13 views ⏱️ 4 min read
A 34-year-old professor discovered she’s been accidentally telling students she loves to “hook up” for years, thinking “Netflix and chill” literally meant watching TV and relaxing. She found out the real meaning when her husband’s coworker was shocked by her casual comment about wanting to “Netflix and chill” once her infant gets older.

The Original Post

I (34F) just found out today that “Netflix and chill” is a euphemism for hooking up and I’m absolutely mortified. I’m a professor at a university and whenever I do icebreakers with my classes and ask about favorite hobbies/activities, I talk about mine and include that I love to “Netflix and chill.” And when students talk about how stressed they are, I tell them that, while it’s important to study, it’s also important to take time to relax and recharge, so I hope they are able to do something for themselves soon like “Netflix and chill.”

I thought to “Netflix and chill” literally meant to watch Netflix and relax, which, as a mother to 2 (a 4 year old and an infant), is such a treat when you have little ones constantly requiring your attention.

Have I been living under a freaking rock?? I mean, I’m not THAT old, but in my defense, I have been saying that I love to “Netflix and chill” for years and NO ONE has ever said a word to me. Not my husband, not my colleagues, not my students. But, my husband and I clearly don’t get out much so I think he’s as oblivious as I am, I am the youngest faculty member in my department so if I wasn’t aware then my colleagues probably aren’t aware either, and if I were my student, I wouldn’t clarify to my professor that when they say one of their favorite activities is to “Netflix and chill” they are suggesting they love to bang.

Now I’m terrified I’m going to be reported for sexual harassment because I guess I’ve been inadvertently telling my students I love to hook up and have been encouraging them to hookup, too??

TL;DR: I just learned what “Netflix and chill” really means and I’m afraid I’ve been accidentally sexually harassing my students because I’m an oblivious Millennial.

EDIT:
For those asking how I didn’t know since anyone who has been in the dating scene should be aware of the meaning of this phrase, I didn’t date much and also didn’t use dating apps, so perhaps this is why? I met my husband in grade school, began dating him in high school, dated him throughout college and graduate school and got married to him 10 years ago. In college I lived at home and worked two jobs, so I didn’t have time to go out and party or “Netflix and chill.” Rather, if I had some free time, I really enjoyed actually Netflixing and chilling, haha

For those asking how I found out: The reason I found out is because I visited my husband for lunch at his work and struck up a conversation with two of his co-workers (33M and 50’sF). I’m currently on maternity leave and mentioned to his co-workers that I can’t wait for my infant to be older so I can “Netflix and chill” again instead of having to feed and change diapers. The 33M coworker stopped me with a shocked look on his face and said “I’m surprised you’d be that open about wanting to Netflix and chill” and when I was confused, he elaborated and opened my eyes. I didn’t believe him until the other coworker (50’sF) said “Oh he’s right, even I know what that means!”

What Reddit Said

Redditors found the professor’s innocent mistake absolutely hilarious rather than concerning. Most commenters reassured her that students likely found her either “adorably clueless” or just thought she was a cool teacher. In fact, many compared her situation to similar mix-ups, like Harrison Ford’s character in “Shrinking” misunderstanding what “raw dogging” means.

However, some users did point out that she had been “living under a rock” since the phrase has been common knowledge for years. Even so, the overall tone remained supportive and amused rather than critical.

The Verdict

The overwhelming consensus: this professor accidentally says netflix and chill situation is harmless and endearing rather than problematic. Reddit users agreed that no students would report her for sexual harassment over this innocent misunderstanding. This is a classic case of workplace fails that’s more funny than serious, proving that sometimes being out of touch with slang can lead to embarrassing moments but no real consequences.


Original post from r/tifu (3,068 upvotes, 827 comments)