The Rise of the “Demure” Trend on Social Media: How Gen Z is Satirizing Workplace Culture

The rise of a new buzzword on social media can often be attributed to the creativity and influence of Gen Z users. In this case, the trend started with a satirical video about workplace makeup by TikTok user Jools LeBron. In her video, LeBron humorously refers to her natural makeup look and straightened hair as “demure.” She emphasizes the importance of being reserved and modest in her workplace appearance. This initial video quickly gained attention and set the stage for a series of videos where LeBron jokingly talks about her “demure” acts and well-behaved demeanor.

While there has been some debate over who exactly started the trend, it is widely agreed that LeBron played a significant role in its explosion. Many view this trend as a playful way to poke fun at previous trends, such as the clean girl aesthetic, where women strived to appear perfectly put together. The hashtag #demure has gained immense popularity, with almost 10,000 videos utilizing it in the past week. Notable figures like singers Lizzo and SZA have even lip-synced to LeBron’s original sound, and television shows like Gilmore Girls have used scenes from the show to describe them as “very demure.”

The trend has not been limited to big names and influencers. Regular social media users have also embraced the satirical trend. For example, fitness content creator Whitney Simmons posted a video of herself triple-checking a workout bench before starting her workout. She humorously contrasts her cautious approach with clips of people getting on the bench and it collapsing on them. Campbell Puckett, another social media user, shared a video on how to eat a croissant in a “demure” way, emphasizing modesty and cleanliness.

The trend has not been without its critics and confusion. Some people have expressed confusion over the meaning of “demure” and who popularized it. Others feel that the trend has already run its course. Nevertheless, the trend continues to gain momentum and entertain social media users across various platforms.

The “demure” trend showcases the power of social media in creating and spreading viral trends. From a simple satirical video, the concept of being reserved, modest, and well-behaved has captured the attention and participation of many. It serves as a reminder of the creativity and ingenuity of Gen Z users and their ability to shape trends and conversations on social media.