Sket Boy: Definition, Fantasy and the "Sket Plan" in the Gay Imagination

Sket Boy: the fantasy of the estate lad

The “sket boy” is an archetype and a fantasy that lingers in the gay imagination: he is the kind of guy who ticks every box of the French “lascar” or “kaïra” (the street-smart estate lad), and who, for one reason or another, fuels the fantasies of part of the community.

What does a Sket Boy look like?

The sket boy has an easily recognizable outfit, a uniform that screams “estate”:

• The tracksuit: the basics, often a Lacoste or Nike set, or another very visible brand, worn with TN Requin or Air Max sneakers.

• The crossbody bag: worn across the chest, preferably Gucci, Louis Vuitton or another luxury brand (real or fake, it doesn’t matter).

• The shoes: Nike TNs (the “requins”, or sharks) are a timeless classic.

• The haircut: a very clean fade, often cut very short on the sides.

This style can be seen as a sign of belonging to a certain street culture, but it has also become a cliché.

What is a “Sket Plan”?

A “sket plan” is a hookup with a guy who matches this stereotype. The fantasy often rests on the idea of a raw, virile, slightly “bad boy” guy, which contrasts with the sometimes smoother codes of the gay scene.

The appeal can come from several things:

• Brand fetishism: some people are turned on by the look, the clothes, the TNs… it is a fetish in its own right.

• The language: estate slang, the accent, the way of speaking… all of it can be part of the seduction game.

• Domination: the sket boy fantasy is often tied to an image of a dominant guy who takes charge. That can be exciting for those who like to submit.

What is our take on the Sket Boy?

Fantasies are not up for debate: everyone is turned on by what they are turned on by. The “sket boy” trope is one example among others of how the gay community plays with clichés and social stereotypes.

However, it is worth remembering that behind the fantasy there are real people. Reducing a guy to his tracksuit and his bag means missing who he really is. The most interesting thing is to look past the clichés and see what is behind them.

A hookup is a meeting between two people, not between two stereotypes. The most exciting part is the surprise, the unexpected, whatever doesn’t fit in the boxes. So whether the guy is in a tracksuit or a suit, what matters is the chemistry, right?