People are just realising where the term 'friend zone' comes from

'Friend zone' was actually added to the dictionary over a decade ago

Most people know what is meant by the "friend zone", with the term being added to the English dictionary back in 2013. The concept has been criticised by some, who have hit out at the idea of people being blamed for not reciprocating someone's feelings.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the friend zone is the "state of being friends with someone when you would prefer a romantic or sexual relationship with them." The controversial term was actually first used back in the 1990s, on a certain famous TV show.

In the episode of Friends titled "The One With The Blackout", Joey discusses Ross' feelings for Rachel, before adding that it is "never going to happen". When Ross asks why, Joey replies: "You waited too long to make your move and now you're in the 'friend zone'".

Ross tries to argue his case, before Joey hits back telling him he is the "mayor of the zone". Joey tells him if he doesn’t make a move soon, he’ll be “stuck in the zone forever.”

Fans of the show will know just how things work out for Ross and Rachel, but many who have re-watched the clip on Youtube recently have been stunned to learn this is where the term friend zone originated.

Commenting on the video, one user said: "How have I never known that this is where friend zone came from?" A second said: This is the origin of friend zone?" A third said: "To all the young people out there: This scene is actually when the term friend zone was invented. Seriously" and a fourth added: "And thus the Friendzone was invented".