New trend where workers are ‘barebacking’ their commute is leaving people baffled

Move over 'raw-dogging' and welcome 'barebacking' - although, social media users are divided over whether it's really that bad.

If you type the term 'bare backers' into Twitter...? Well, take it from someone who just did and now feels like they're going to have to double check the IT department don't get the wrong idea - just don't do it.

While the older meaning of the word is apparently slang for a person who engages in bare-backing - i.e. physical sexual activity without the use of a condom - another more PG meaning has since been appointed to the term.

Another day, another internet trend is doing the rounds - so forget 'raw-dogging' and prepare to test yourself with a bit of PG barebacking when you next hop on a train or tube and make your way into work.

What is a (non-NSFW) 'barebacker'?

On an episode of Behind The Screens Podcast - which aired last month - host Curtis Morton sat down to discuss some of his biggest icks when it comes to commuters and dubbed people who commit one particular act the 'bare backers'.

When asked what on earth a so-called bare backer is, Morton said: "You've commuted enough times, why are you sitting there without a phone? Without a book?

"Just looking at me, looking at what's going on."

Essentially, barebacking your commute is raw-dogging your commute.

And Morton's response to these dratted bare backers?

"Keep yourself to yourself, read a book, listen... Just do something."

However, the pet peeve has left social media users divided.

Do you ever 'bare-back'? (Getty Stock Images)

One TikToker wrote: "People used to do nothing on trains all the time before cellphones were invented. let’s celebrate people taking a step away from the dopamine-fueled, paranoid inducing devices in their pockets."

"I agree with all except the last #1. I can't look at my phone or a book because I suffer from awful vertigo and travel sickness. I have to look ahead, but I make sure to never stare at anyone," another added.

And a third wrote: "Agree with them all except the last one. Anyone who doesn’t need constant stimulation from a book/phone/ipad, and can just exist in peace for 5 mins, is awesome."

But what other habits made the cut in the podcast episode's 'top five worst commuter habits' and are you guilty of them?

Get back on your phone (Getty Stock Images)

Well, others included commuters who let rip with their loudspeaker rather than respectfully plugging in headphones, people who don't let people off the carriage before trying to get on and those who get themselves in a bit of a state when approaching their stop.

Relate to any?