The alpha and sigma are not the same, although they both refer to strong personalities. An alpha is loud, assertive, and dominant. A sigma, in contrast, is reserved, laid-back, and likes working by himself. The sigma people do not seek a following, nor do they want attention; they do their thing. The sigma slang meaning focuses on being strong without showing off. So, when people ask, “ What does sigma mean slang ?” the short answer is: it's about independence and self-control, not dominance like an alpha.