Confession: I love the term Soft Boy.
Although the expression has only recently come to fruition it describes a type of dude who’s been around forever.
The proof lies in our favourite childhood TV shows. Some of the finest representations of this archetype were shown in the likes of Lizzie McGuire and H20 Just Add Water – Gordo and Lewis anyone?
They’re the type of guy who actively promotes himself as a “nice guy”.
A Soft Boy can also refer to a genuinely nice dude. Someone who stans his female peers. A sensitive type.
I’ve taken it upon myself to compile a list of the best and worst as seen on the hit shows of our childhood. You’re welcome.
Gordo from Lizzie McGuire: The Worst Kind Of Soft Boy
Do not get me started on Lizzie McGuire’s Gordo. Lizzie’s “best friend” was literally the worst. Gordo hides his feelings and masquerades as Lizzie’s platonic friend for what feels like seasons. Pining after someone and saying nothing is self-pitying. Soft Boy tendencies include getting frustrated at Lizzie for crushing on Ethan Craft, showing contempt for Lizzie’s “girly” interests and making a point of dissing anything mainstream. Niche: Filmmaking.
Heath from Blue Water High: Soft Boy Goals
Was Heath from Blue Water High the best Soft Boy to ever hit screens? Light-hearted Heath develops a friendship with surfer girl, Fly, and actually knows how to communicate his feelings. Fly has a lot of doubts about herself but Heath, like any good friend, listens and reassures. This was, without a doubt, one of the healthiest hetero relationships on Australian TV screens. Niche: Surfing.
Lewis from H20 Just Add Water: Soft Boy, But Make It Supportive
Lest we forget Lewis. Lewis cranks the Soft Boy up a notch by developing friendships with all three mermaids, not just the one he’s interested in. There was something refreshing about watching him platonically support the trio while they struggled to hide their mermaid identities. He uses his science talents to work tirelessly to understand the reason behind the girls’ transformations. Niche: fishing.
Scooter from The Saddle Club: Original Soft Boy Of Our Generation
While working at Pine Hollow, Scooter develops a hardcore crush on a mean girl called Veronica, which is around the time his soft boy tendencies rear their ugly head. She bullies and belittles him for two seasons but, being the unaware soft boy he is, doesn’t even care. He romanticises her regardless and they end up getting together. Niche: Computers.