What does crab mentality mean?

Definitions for crab mentality
crab men·tal·i·ty

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word crab mentality.

Wiktionary

  1. crab mentalitynoun

    A way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you." The metaphor refers to a pot of crabs in which one tries to escape over the side, but is relentlessly pulled down by the others in the pot.

Wikipedia

  1. Crab mentality

    Crab mentality, also known as crabs in a bucket (also barrel, basket, or pot) mentality, is a way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you". The metaphor is derived from a pattern of behavior noted in crabs when they are trapped in a bucket. While any one crab could easily escape, its efforts will be undermined by others, ensuring the group's collective demise.The analogy in human behavior is claimed to be that members of a group will attempt to reduce the self-confidence of any member who achieves success beyond the others, out of envy, resentment, spite, conspiracy, or competitive feelings, to halt their progress.

ChatGPT

  1. crab mentality

    Crab mentality refers to a negative behavior pattern in which individuals tend to pull down or undermine others who are succeeding or making progress, out of envy, spite, or self-interest, rather than supporting or encouraging them. The term is derived from the observation that when crabs are placed in a bucket, instead of working together to escape, they often pull each other down, ultimately preventing any individual crab from achieving freedom. Similarly, in human society, the phrase "crab mentality" is used metaphorically to describe the behavior of those who try to bring others down or sabotage their success, rather than working together for collective growth and progress.

Wikidata

  1. Crab mentality

    Crab mentality is a phrase popular among Filipinos, and was first coined by writer Ninotchka Rosca, in reference to the phrase crabs in a bucket. It describes a way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you." The metaphor refers to a pot of crabs. Individually, the crabs could easily escape from the pot, but instead, they grab at each other in a useless "king of the hill" competition which prevents any from escaping and ensures their collective demise. The analogy in human behavior is that members of a group will attempt to "pull down" any member who achieves success beyond the others, out of envy, conspiracy or competitive feelings. The concept figures prominently in Terry Pratchett's novel "Unseen Academicals." A fishmonger does not bother to keep a lid on the crab bucket because "any that tries to get out gets pulled back." The protagonist comes to realize that her social status results not from external repression, but from her own low expectations of herself: "The worst of it is, the crab that mostly keeps you down is you." This term is broadly associated with short-sighted, non-constructive thinking rather than a unified, long-term, constructive mentality. It is also often used colloquially in reference to individuals or communities attempting to improve their socio-economic situations, but kept from doing so by others attempting to ride upon their coat-tails or those who simply resent their success.

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of crab mentality in Chaldean Numerology is: 9

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of crab mentality in Pythagorean Numerology is: 8


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"crab mentality." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 13 Feb. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/crab+mentality>.

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