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TikTok trends come and go, but some leave a lasting impression on social media culture. The “very demure, very mindful” trend is one such phenomenon that has taken the platform by storm. This quirky and humorous trend has breathed new life into an old-fashioned word, creating a viral sensation that combines wit, irony, and absurdist humor.
What is the “very demure, very mindful” TikTok trend ?
The “very demure, very mindful” TikTok trend emerged suddenly in early August 2024, quickly spreading across social media platforms. At its core, this trend involves users creating videos demonstrating behaviors they describe as “demure,” often with a heavy dose of irony. The phrase has become a catchall for describing various activities, from the mundane to the outrageous, with a tongue-in-cheek elegance.
The trend’s popularity is evident in the numbers :
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- Over 24,100 TikToks have been created using the original audio clip
- The hashtag #demure has been used in nearly 13,000 videos related to this trend
- Millions of views have been garnered by videos participating in the trend
What makes this trend particularly interesting is its playful subversion of the traditional meaning of “demure.” While the word typically described a quiet or modest woman, TikTokers have transformed it into a versatile descriptor for any behavior they deem refined or elegant—often satirically.
This trend shares similarities with other viral phenomena that redefine words or concepts, such as the aura maxxing trend, which focuses on enhancing one’s personal energy and appearance. Both trends demonstrate how TikTok can reshape language and self-expression in unexpected ways.
The origins : Jools Lebron and the redefinition of “demure”
The catalyst for this viral trend was TikTok user Jools Lebron, a makeup artist and influencer known for discussing her experiences as a plus-sized trans woman. Lebron’s original video, titled “How to Be Demure at Work,” was posted on August 2 and quickly gained millions of views. This video sparked a wave of similar content across the platform.
Lebron’s unique take on the word “demure” involves redefining it to encompass a range of behaviors and situations. She has created over 30 videos describing various activities as “demure,” including :
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- Applying deodorant
- Navigating Las Vegas
- Personal appearance choices
- Travel etiquette
Her interpretation of “demure” focuses on refined, subtle elegance in various contexts, expanding the word’s usage far beyond its traditional meaning. This creative redefinition resonated with TikTok users, inspiring them to apply the concept to their own lives—often with humorous results.
It’s worth noting that Lebron’s influence extends beyond this trend. Her platform addresses various aspects of personal relationships and self-expression, much like discussions about differentiating between love and lust in romantic connections.
The art of being “very demure, very mindful”
The essence of the “very demure, very mindful” trend lies in its ironic application to everyday situations. Participants in this trend often describe mundane or even outrageous activities as “demure” for comedic effect. This absurdist humor has struck a chord with TikTok users, leading to a wide variety of creative interpretations.
Here’s a breakdown of how users typically engage with the trend :
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Audio | Use of Jools Lebron’s original “very demure, very mindful” audio clip |
| Visual | Demonstration of an activity or behavior deemed “demure” |
| Caption | Ironic or humorous description of the activity as refined or elegant |
| Hashtags | #demure, #verydemure, #verymindful |
The trend’s popularity stems from its flexibility and relatability. Users can apply the concept of being “demure” to virtually any aspect of their lives, creating content that resonates with their audience while participating in a larger cultural moment.
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Interestingly, several trans creators on TikTok have played a significant role in popularizing this playful use of “demure.” Their contributions have added depth to the trend, often exploring themes of identity and self-expression through the lens of refined elegance—whether sincere or satirical.
This trend’s focus on redefining personal behavior and presentation shares some common ground with discussions about subtle forms of relationship dynamics, such as micro-cheating in modern relationships. Both topics involve nuanced interpretations of actions and their meanings in social contexts.
Impact and cultural significance
The “very demure, very mindful” TikTok trend has had a notable impact on social media culture and language use. By breathing new life into the word “demure,” this trend has demonstrated the power of social media to reshape vocabulary and create new cultural touchstones.
Some key aspects of the trend’s impact include :
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- Linguistic evolution : Expanding the meaning and usage of “demure” in everyday language
- Cultural commentary : Using humor to explore concepts of refinement and social expectations
- Community building : Creating a shared language and in-jokes among TikTok users
- Creative expression : Encouraging users to find humor and elegance in unexpected places
While the trend is primarily humorous, it also reflects broader themes in contemporary culture. The ironic use of “demure” can be seen as a playful critique of traditional notions of modesty and refinement. By applying these concepts to a wide range of behaviors—from the sophisticated to the ridiculous—participants in the trend challenge conventional ideas about what it means to be elegant or refined.
Moreover, the trend’s popularity among diverse creators, including many from the LGBTQ+ community, highlights how social media can provide platforms for marginalized voices to shape cultural conversations. The “very demure, very mindful” trend has become a vehicle for self-expression and community-building, allowing users to explore and celebrate their identities through humor and creativity.
As with many viral phenomena, the longevity of this trend remains to be seen. However, its rapid spread and the enthusiasm with which it has been embraced suggest that the impact of “very demure, very mindful” may extend beyond its initial viral moment, potentially influencing language use and humor on social media for some time to come.
