Mumbai, February 27: A disturbing new relationship term, "Alpine divorce," has gained significant traction across social media platforms including TikTok and X, describing a scenario where an individual is intentionally abandoned by their partner in remote or mountainous terrain. While the phrase is not a legal classification, it has become a viral shorthand for a brutal form of relationship termination involving physical desertion in the wilderness.

The trend has sparked widespread debate online, with many users sharing personal accounts of being left behind during hikes or treks. The "Alpine" designation refers to high-altitude or rugged environments, such as the Scottish Highlands or the Swiss Alps, where weather conditions can become life-threatening rapidly. What Is AI-Based Biometric Scam? Hyderabad Police Issue Urgent Advisory as Cybercriminals Target Facial and Voice Data for Deepfake Identity Theft.

Alpine Divorce Getting Viral on Social Media Platforms Like TikTok

Alpine Divorce Social Media Trend

 

Historical Roots and Modern Resurgence

The concept is not entirely a modern invention of the digital age. The term traces its origins back to an 1893 short story titled "An Alpine Divorce" by author Robert Barr. In the Victorian-era thriller, a husband plots to leave his wife in a perilous position during a vacation in the Swiss Alps.

More than 130 years later, the internet has revived this macabre narrative. In early 2026, social media users began using the phrase to describe real-life instances of "hiker’s abandonment." One viral video from the Scottish Highlands featured a woman documenting her experience after her partner moved miles ahead, leaving her to navigate the terrain alone.

The Intersection of Dark Humour and Safety

While some online discourse treats "Alpine divorce" as a form of dark humour or a "grim fictional concept," many participants in the trend view it as a serious safety concern. Support groups and forum threads have reportedly emerged to assist those who have experienced similar trauma, though the official status of these organisations remains unverified.

The trend taps into primal fears of isolation and betrayal. Psychologists suggest the fascination with the term aligns with the current cultural obsession with true-crime narratives and survivalist media. It also highlights a growing conversation regarding "red flags" and the physical safety of women in isolated outdoor settings.

Real-World Implications and Cautionary Advice

The viral nature of the trend has led to an increase in safety advisories within the hiking community. Experts and seasoned trekkers are now using the #AlpineDivorce hashtag to encourage hikers to remain self-reliant. Frequent recommendations include always carrying an independent map, ensuring one has personal survival gear, and never relying solely on a partner for navigation or supplies. Who is Linda Walker? The '719 Points' Viral Video Explained.

Though often used as internet slang, real-life incidents have added a sombre layer to the discussion. Recent criminal cases involving spouses orchestrating harm during honeymoons or remote trips have been cited by netizens as extreme, real-world examples of the "Alpine" concept, shifting the conversation from a social media meme to a serious dialogue on domestic safety.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 27, 2026 09:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).