Why is everyone suddenly saying demure?
Asked by: Janice Rau | Last update: February 10, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (64 votes)
Everyone is saying "demure" because of a viral TikTok trend started by user Jools Lebron in August 2024, where she used the word to describe her calm, modest, and mindful approach to daily activities (like makeup or travel), leading others to adopt it ironically or genuinely for various situations, with brands and celebrities jumping in, making it a popular, sometimes humorous, catchphrase. The trend playfully applies the traditional meaning (reserved, modest) to unexpected things, becoming a cultural shorthand for being "very mindful" or "cutesy".
Why is everyone saying "very demure"?
The phrases became a platform-wide phenomenon on TikTok after a user named Jools Lebron began using them this month. On TikTok, many people are being “very mindful” of their actions. They're acting “very cutesy.” In fact, you could say they're “very demure.”
How did the demure trend start?
Backstory of the "demure trend"
The "demure" trend started in early August when Jools posted a 38-second video showcasing her professional makeup look. "See how I do my makeup for work? Very demure, very mindful. I don't do too much.
What is demure gen alpha slang?
USA TODAY states the term is all about being cutesy, clean and mindful and not drawing attention to yourself. There's also an emphasis on productivity and navigating your life with quiet confidence and gentility.
What does "demure" actually mean?
What does "demure" actually mean? According to Merriam-Webster, demure is an adjective meaning "affectedly modest, reserved, or serious."
Why Everyone's Saying 'Demure' on TikTok?!
Is demure a compliment or insult?
A demure person can be described as polite and a little shy. A demure outfit is a modest one — think high neckline and low hem. Demure is a word you don't hear a lot these days, but it used to be a huge compliment for a woman or a girl, for them to be considered shy and quiet and modest.
What is slang for demure?
In slang, "demure" is sometimes used sarcastically to describe someone who is actually bold, confident, or flirtatious, rather than reserved and modest as the traditional definition suggests. This playful usage is often found in social media and casual conversations to highlight irony or contrast.
What does skibidi rizz toilet mean?
"Skibidi rizz" is a confusing, often sarcastic slang term, typically meaning someone has terrible or cringey flirting skills, blending the nonsensical viral "Skibidi Toilet" memes with "rizz" (charisma/flirting ability), suggesting an awkward, overly enthusiastic, or weird way of trying to charm someone, like a character from the show. While "skibidi" can mean "good" or "bad" depending on context, combining it with "rizz" usually leans negative, implying a lack of genuine charm.
What do Gen Z use instead of 😂?
Gen Z uses emojis like the 💀 (Skull) and 😭 (Loudly Crying Face) to express extreme laughter, replacing the outdated 😂, along with slang like "I'm dead" or "dying," while also using textual reactions like "lol" or "lmao," and sometimes combining emojis to show intense amusement or sarcastic humor.
Why do gen alphas say sigma?
When someone is referred to as sigma, it's someone who has that aura and is considered a cool person too. So if you're cool and have that special something, you might just be a sigma! Keep an ear out for these slang terms—they're just a few examples of how language is changing with each generation.
Is being demure outdated?
It is used to describe women who are quiet, modest, or shy. While it might seem like a compliment, it actually reinforces old-fashioned and limiting ideas about women. In today's world, words such as demure should be perceived as sexist. They reflect the outdated views of how women should behave.
What is the opposite of being demure?
Demure is an adjective meaning “reserved,” “shy,” or “modest.” Antonyms and near-antonyms include: Bold. Loud. Brash. Shameless.
How to dress very demure?
Creating a demure outfit means sticking to timeless silhouettes and a neutral colour palette. While this may be a trend, demure, mindful dressing is all about classic pieces. Think polished cardigans, waistcoats, top-handle bags, ballet flats and kitten heels.
What does very calm very demure mean?
What does demure mean? Traditionally, the term "demure" was used to describe a woman who was quiet, reserved, or modest, contrasting sharply with qualities like racy, standout, or loud.
What is demure dress?
Definitions of demureness. noun. the trait of behaving with reserve and decorum. modesty, reserve. formality and propriety of manner.
Who is the very demure girl?
Jools Lebron is an American TikToker. Her August 2024 videos about being "demure" at the workplace went viral and acquired several million views, with multiple celebrities, companies, agencies, and brands using the phrase in their online marketing and social media posts.
What does 🗣 🗣 🗣 🔥 🔥 🔥 mean?
The combination 🗣🗣🗣🔥🔥🔥 means someone is excitedly talking about something amazing, lit, or fire, emphasizing strong opinions or hot news with intense passion and volume, as the speaking heads show loud talking and fire means excellent or intense. It's like saying, "I'm telling you, this is so incredibly good/hot/amazing!".
What does 😮 mean from a guy?
The 😮 (Face with Open Mouth) emoji from a guy usually means surprise, awe, or disbelief, like "Wow!" or "Oh my!" but can also show milder shock, admiration, or even sarcastic/lighthearted amazement at something unexpected or impressive, depending on the context. It's a versatile emoji expressing strong emotion, whether positive (talent, beauty) or negative (unexpected bad news).
What does Ohio skibidi mean?
"Skibidi Ohio" is Gen Alpha slang for something weird, cringey, or bad, often combined with "rizz" (charisma/flirting) to mean terrible flirting skills, stemming from the surreal "Skibidi Toilet" YouTube series and "Ohio" memes that label the state as bizarre; the phrase is generally nonsensical or an insult, though "Skibidi" can sometimes mean "cool" depending on context.
What does Skibidi Toilet gyat mean?
Skibidi – nonsensical, humorous word, originated from the Skibidi Toilet video series. Gyatt – excitement or surprise.
Why are people misusing the word demure?
The definition of the word demure is reserved, modest or shy; however, it is rarely used in the proper context. For many, the use of these terms are just for laughs — they neither know nor care what they mean, but these phrases have a real impact.
Is "demure" still used in modern slang?
'Demure' has made its way into the modern slang lexicon, particularly among younger generations on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. At its core, this term describes a demeanor that is modest, shy, or reserved—qualities often seen as charming or attractive.
What does so cute so demure mean?
In the context of this trend, a “demure girl” is someone who intentionally adopts a modest, mindful, and reserved persona, often with a playful twist. She embodies the balance between being sweetly charming (cutesy) and deliberately understated (demure).