The “Demure” Takeover: How a Modest TikTok Trend Became the Internet’s Latest Obsession
The Rise of “Demure”
In the ever-evolving world of social media, trends come and go with the click of a button, but every now and then, a trend emerges that captivates the internet with its satirical brilliance.
Enter the rise of “demure,” the buzzword that’s currently taking over TikTok and beyond, transforming the way we laugh at ourselves online. The person behind this trend is none other than TikTok influencer Jools Lebron, who has turned the concept of being “demure, modest, and respectful” into a hilarious social media phenomenon. With over 1.2 million followers, Lebron’s tongue-in-cheek advice on how to be “very demure” at work has racked up millions of views, kickstarting the new trend of the season (soz Brat Summer!)
Credit: @joolieannie
From Ballroom to Viral Trend: The History of '“Demure”
The word “demure” itself isn’t new; it has been a part of the ballroom scene long before it became a social media sensation. As highlighted by a recent article in Dazed, “demure” was originally a term within ballroom culture.
“It would always be used in reference to someone who wants to articulate a feminine embodiment, and that feminine connotation reflects the white Western way of understanding the world that is still present in ballroom”
Image taken from the film ‘Paris is Burning’
How “Demure” is Taking Over Social Media
What’s so delightful about the “Very Demure” trend is how it takes ordinary situations and turns them into moments of exaggerated modesty. Whether it’s sipping coffee with a “demure” air or strolling down the street as if you’re a paragon of quiet dignity, TikTok users are getting creative poking fun at life’s little nothings. The joke, of course, is in the contrast: taking the concept of demureness to absurd extremes over things that couldn’t be less serious. It’s a perfect reminder that in today’s hyper-visual world, even the smallest, most insignificant moments can be transformed into social media gold—if you play it “demurely,” that is.
Relatability > Everything
The “demure” trend is a perfect reminder that these days, relatability wins every time. Today’s social media users crave authentic, humorous glimpses into everyday life—content that resonates because it mirrors their own experiences, no matter how mundane. The exaggerated modesty in the “Very Demure” trend is a perfect example, turning ordinary moments into relatable satire. This trend reflects a wider desire for content that feels accessible and genuine, proving that today, humour and relatability are the true keys to engagement.
The Unpredictable Life of Internet Trends
The rise of “demure” speaks to a broader pattern in internet culture— where words can take on lives of their own in ways no one could have predicted. Today’s niche term can be tomorrow’s viral sensation, thanks to creators who know how to play with the quirks and absurdities of online culture. So, while “demure” might not be trending forever, it’s proof that in the fast-paced world of social media, even the most unassuming ideas can have their moment—whether they’re ready for it or not.
