The Rise of the 'Very Demure, Very Mindful' Meme Trend
On August 6, 2023, a new meme trend emerged on TikTok that has swiftly taken the platform by storm. Originating from a video uploaded by Jools Lebron, known as @joolieannie, the 'very demure, very mindful' trend has captivated audiences with its humorous yet sincere approach to workplace fashion and demeanor.
Jools' video, titled 'How to be demure and modest and respectful at the workplace,' explains her personal style choices at work. In the video, she emphasizes a minimalistic approach to makeup and attire, promoting simplicity over extravagance. She humorously points out her outfit, describing it as having 'only a little chi-chi out, not my cho-cho,' a playful remark that has since become a hallmark of the meme trend.
The Evolution of the Trend
Following Jools' viral video, many other TikTok users began creating their own versions of 'very demure, very mindful' content. One notable example is TikTok user @sh4_n1c3, who shared a video of herself eating a Chipotle bowl neatly, captioned 'very demure.' This trend has inspired a multitude of similar videos, each showcasing how individuals can maintain a modest and reserved demeanor in various contexts while infusing a touch of humor.
The term 'demure,' traditionally meaning modest and reserved, has been given a fresh, playful twist by TikTok users. What was once a straightforward concept has now become a way for individuals to describe their makeup, fashion choices, and attitudes in a more whimsical and engaging manner.
Controversy and Drama
As with many viral trends, the 'very demure, very mindful' meme has not been without its share of controversy. TikTok creator Selyna Brillare has claimed that Jools Lebron stole the phrase from her older content dating back to 2020 and 2021. According to Selyna, her past videos featured similar phrases and concepts, leading her to accuse Jools of unoriginality.
This accusation sparked debate among TikTok users, with some supporting Selyna's claim and others defending Jools. Despite the drama, the trend's popularity has only grown, with new creators continuously adding their own unique twists and interpretations.
The Impact on Gen-Z Fashion and Attitude
The 'very demure, very mindful' trend reflects a larger movement within the Gen-Z community towards more conscious and intentional fashion and behavior. Young people are embracing the idea of modesty and reserves in their daily lives, but they are doing so with a light-hearted, humorous approach.
This trend highlights a shift in how fashion and self-presentation are perceived and portrayed on social media platforms. It's not just about looking good but also about conveying a message of thoughtfulness and care. The playful nature of the trend allows individuals to partake in the fashion conversation without feeling the pressure to conform to extravagant or over-the-top standards.
The Power of Social Media Trends
Social media trends like 'very demure, very mindful' showcase the power of platforms like TikTok to influence behavior, fashion, and cultural norms. What starts as a single video can quickly proliferate, creating a new vocabulary and set of visual aesthetics that resonate with large audiences.
These trends offer a glimpse into the values and priorities of younger generations. By emphasizing modesty, mindfulness, and humor, the 'very demure, very mindful' meme encapsulates a unique blend of traditional values and contemporary sensibilities, pushing back against more superficial aspects of social media culture.
Creativity and Community
The creativity sparked by this trend underscores the collaborative and communal nature of TikTok. Users bounce off each other's ideas, remixing and reinventing the original concept to create content that speaks to their personal experiences and sense of humor.
This process not only drives the trend forward but also fosters a sense of community among participants. Shared humor and common references help build connections between creators and viewers, creating a more engaged and interactive platform overall.
Conclusion
In essence, the 'very demure, very mindful' trend on TikTok is more than just a fleeting meme. It represents a shift towards a more intentional and reflective approach to fashion and self-presentation, infused with a healthy dose of humor. Despite its origins being contested, the trend continues to evolve and inspire, providing a playful yet meaningful way for individuals to express themselves in the digital age.
19 Comments
Jaya Savannah
August 14, 2024 AT 20:30 PMlol i just saw someone do the 'very demure, very mindful' thing while eating a whole pizza with chopsticks š¤
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August 16, 2024 AT 20:22 PMThis trend is beautiful in its simplicity. Itās not about hiding who you are-itās about choosing your energy. The way Jools says 'not my cho-cho' feels like a quiet rebellion against performative excess. Weāve been conditioned to think bold means loud, but sometimes the most powerful statement is the one whispered with confidence. Itās mindfulness dressed in cotton and calm.
Krishna A
August 17, 2024 AT 13:11 PMthis is just cringe. why are people making a whole movement out of wearing a plain shirt? i could do this in my sleep.
Prince Chukwu
August 18, 2024 AT 18:03 PMIām from Kerala and weāve had this energy for generations-called 'mouna sammadham'-silent dignity. But now itās got a TikTok beat and a Chipotle bowl? The fusion is wild. My aunty saw the trend and started calling her banana leaf meals 'very demure, very mindful' and now the whole family does it. We even have a group chat called 'cho-cho free zone'.
Divya Johari
August 18, 2024 AT 19:28 PMThis trend is an affront to aesthetic integrity. The trivialization of decorum through internet slang reduces centuries of cultural nuance to a meme. One does not 'be demure' while holding a burrito. The degradation of language is palpable.
Unnati Chaudhary
August 20, 2024 AT 01:20 AMThereās something so healing about this trend. Itās like everyoneās finally allowed to breathe in a world that screams 'LOOK AT ME'. I used to stress over matching my lipstick to my bag-now I just wear a hoodie and call it art. The fact that people are turning quietness into a celebration? Thatās the kind of revolution I can get behind.
fatima almarri
August 21, 2024 AT 09:58 AMThe epistemological framework underlying this phenomenon is fascinating. The performative modesty encoded in the phrase 'very demure, very mindful' functions as a dialectical counterpoint to neoliberal self-commodification. Itās not resistance-itās recontextualization. The Chipotle bowl isn't food; it's a semiotic artifact of post-digital restraint.
ajay vishwakarma
August 21, 2024 AT 15:44 PMHonestly? This is the kind of thing that makes me proud to be part of this generation. You donāt need glitter or hype to be seen. Just show up. Be real. And if you want to say 'cho-cho' while doing it? Even better.
Steven Gill
August 23, 2024 AT 11:52 AMI think the real magic here is how it turned a single video into a global hug. People are using this to say 'Iām not trying to impress you, Iām trying to be me'-and thatās rare. I watched my cousin post her version wearing a sari with no makeup and just a cup of chai. She didnāt say a word. The comments? Over 10k. People justā¦ got it.
devika daftardar
August 24, 2024 AT 15:00 PMthis is why i love tiktok no one cares if you dont look perfect like in the 90s or whatever and now we can be chill and still be cool like imagine if your grandma knew how to do the very demure thing she would be trending for sure
Aniket sharma
August 26, 2024 AT 11:53 AMYou know whatās wild? This started as a fashion thing, but now people are applying it to how they speak, how they work, even how they sit. Itās not about clothes-itās about presence. Iāve started doing 'very mindful' breathing before meetings. My boss asked if Iām okay. I said, 'Just being demure.' He nodded. He got it.
Vijendra Tripathi
August 28, 2024 AT 00:33 AMI used to think this was just a joke until I tried it. Last week I wore the same sweater for three days, didnāt put on any eyeliner, and justā¦ sat quietly during Zoom calls. My team said I looked 'calm and grounded'. Turns out, being unapologetically simple is a superpower. Also, I ate a sandwich with one hand and didnāt spill. Very demure. Very mindful.
Pratiksha Das
August 29, 2024 AT 14:52 PMi think jools stole it but also i dont care because now i have a new way to describe my beige pants and i love it
Saurabh Shrivastav
August 29, 2024 AT 15:50 PMOh so now being boring is revolutionary? Whatās next? 'Very quiet, very breathing'? The whole thing is just performative apathy dressed up as rebellion. People think theyāre being deep, but theyāre just lazy.
ankit singh
August 29, 2024 AT 17:07 PMI work in HR and Iāve seen this trend reduce workplace tension. People stop judging each otherās outfits. Someone wore flip-flops to the office and no one blinked. We had a meeting called 'Demure Thursday' and it was the most productive week weāve had. Sometimes less really is more.
Vikas Yadav
August 29, 2024 AT 21:33 PMIām not sure if this is art, or if itās justā¦ a trend? But I do know this: when I stopped trying to look like I belong in a magazine and started dressing like I belong in my own skin, everything changed. Iām not saying Iām demure-Iām saying Iām done pretending.
Sreeanta Chakraborty
August 30, 2024 AT 11:06 AMThis trend is a Western cultural invasion disguised as 'mindfulness'. In India, modesty has always been sacred-not a TikTok challenge. They take our values, slap a hashtag on them, and call it innovation. Shame.
Sandhya Agrawal
August 31, 2024 AT 22:45 PMIām not saying Jools stole itā¦ but what if Selynaās 2020 video was a government experiment to test viral psychology? And what if this trend is just the next phase of the algorithmic mind control? Iāve seen people whisper 'very mindful' in elevatorsā¦ why? WHY?
Amar Yasser
September 1, 2024 AT 13:34 PMTo everyone who thinks this is silly: youāre missing the point. Itās not about the clothes. Itās about choosing peace over pressure. I used to feel like I had to be someone else to be liked. Now I just wear what feels right. And yeah, sometimes thatās a plain shirt. And thatās okay.