What does being sapiosexual mean?

Times are tough for eternal romantics, with "situationships," a record number of “emotionally unavailable” individuals, people only seeking open relationships, and the proliferation of dating apps of all kinds, which have almost become the only way to find love. While widely used, these apps are often criticized for being too focused on physical appearance and aesthetic attraction, and not enough on intelligence, deep connections, and shared chemistry. These are critiques that Gad Elmaleh would probably agree with. After a relationship with Anne Brochet, which resulted in a son, followed by romances with Marie Drucker and Monaco’s Charlotte Casiraghi, the comedian now declares himself "open to love," but above all, a sapiosexual. But what does that even mean?

It simply means being attracted to intelligence rather than physical appearance. Never mind long legs, hair shinier than your future, or porcelain skin—what the comedian seeks in his partners is depth of mind. The term "sapiosexual" comes directly from Latin, where sapio means knowledge, understanding, or comprehension. In the context of sexuality, the term emerged in the United States in the early 2010s, propelled by the magic of the internet. While it indeed refers to a sexual attraction, whether it qualifies as a standalone sexual orientation remains a controversial question. According to a 2019 study, Gad Elmaleh’s case is far from unique. For those seeking a long-term relationship, taking intelligence, culture, eloquence, and knowledge into account is essential for a significant portion of the population.

Yet for most people, physical appearance weighs heavier on the scale. Perhaps there are varying degrees of sapiosexuality; perhaps we all have it to some extent. Maybe our generation isn’t as fixated on physical beauty and perfection as we think. Or perhaps, precisely because we place so much importance on appearance, the world stops turning when a celebrity expresses interest primarily in the mind of their partners rather than their doe eyes. The real issue likely lies more in this debate than in the romantic preferences of Gad Elmaleh, Sophie Marceau, Angelina Jolie, or anyone else.