You are both staring at your phones waiting for a delayed subway. A service alert blares over the PA. You look up, make eye contact, and roll your eyes simultaneously. You say, "At least we have Wi-Fi." The conversation begins not with a pickup line, but with shared, low-grade misery.
In fiction, a meet-cute is the initial encounter between two potential love interests, usually under charming, humorous, or unusual circumstances. Stephanie Bourbon Establish Character & Conflict Meet Cute
She was about to turn around and brave the storm back to her apartment when she saw it. In the far corner, tucked behind a potted fern that was barely clinging to life, sat a small, round table. And at that table sat a man. You are both staring at your phones waiting
The term was reportedly coined by director Ernst Lubitsch, who used it to describe the charming first meeting of protagonists in his films. A classic example originates from the 1938 film Bluebeard's Eighth Wife You say, "At least we have Wi-Fi
"Here," Maya said, extending her hand. "Let me see the instructions."