Demeure is yet another buzzword you might have stumbled upon while scrolling through your For You Page on TikTok. But what does ‘demeure’ mean on TikTok? And how did this new viral word and trend take over social media? Let’s find out.
Demure Meaning on TikTok
The word “demure” has a long-standing definition in the English language, typically associated with modesty, shyness, or reserved behavior. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, demure definition is “reserved, modest, and shy.” The word often describes someone with a calm, composed, and somewhat restrained demeanor.
TikTok has redefined “demure,” into a playful take on “pick-me girls” and the “clean girl” aesthetic. The latter, also known as the “vanilla girl” trend, embraces minimalism and effortless beauty.
TikTok creator Jools Lebron first used “demure” as a term of endearment to describe herself as she does daily tasks, often adding “I’m not like you other girls.” Let’s see how it all started out.
What Is the ‘Demure’ Trend on TikTok?
TikTok creator Jools Lebron has sparked a viral trend around the concept of being “demure”—a mix of mindfulness, modesty, and cuteness. The trend took off after her August 2, 2024, video showcased her work-appropriate hair and makeup, dubbing the look “very demure.” A follow-up video on August 5, offering workplace etiquette tips, amassed over 35 million views and helped her TikTok following surpass 1.7 million.
Lebron has since expanded on the trend, posting numerous videos on how to embody “demurity” in various situations, from dancing to attending events. The movement has gained widespread traction, with over 138,000 videos using #demure in a single week and a total of 285,000 videos on TikTok. The trend has also crossed over to other platforms, with memes on X declaring “demure” the word of the week.
Afterwards, celebrities and brands have joined in, including Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis referencing “demure” on the Freaky Friday sequel set, Taylor Swift’s backup dancer joking about a fall being “very demure,” and Netflix using a Gilmore Girls clip to highlight the term. The viral sensation has cemented “demure” as a cultural buzzword, reshaping social media conversations.
Demure vs. Shy: What’s the Difference?
Though demure and shy are often used interchangeably, they carry slightly different connotations:
- Shy refers to a natural reluctance to engage with others due to nervousness or social anxiety.
- Demure, particularly in the TikTok sense, is more about playful coyness or a self-aware performance of shyness.
Understanding this nuance is essential when trying to decode TikTok’s ever-changing slang.
How to Use “Demure” on TikTok
Want to embrace the demure trend and add a little playful elegance to your TikTok content? Here’s how you can do it effortlessly:
- In captions: Try phrases like “Just being my demure self” or “Keeping it classy, keeping it demure.”
- As a hashtag: Use #DemureChallenge, #FeelingDemure, or #SoDemure to join the conversation.
- In comments: Play along with responses like “Omg, so demure of you” or “The most demure thing I’ve ever seen.”
- In a playful video: Act shy or reserved while clearly knowing you look great—maybe flipping your hair or glancing away dramatically.
- In trend-based content: Show how to be demure in different situations, like ordering coffee, leaving a party, or handling a minor inconvenience with exaggerated elegance.
It’s all about leaning into the aesthetic while having fun with it. So go ahead, be demure—or at least pretend to be!
I you’re looking to grow your TikTok presence, you might also want to explore ways to increase engagement, such as increasing TikTok followers to build your audience and expand your reach.
Examples of Demure on TikTok Videos
Here are some popular ways TikTok users have incorporated “demure” into their content:
- Flirty & Coy Expressions
- Creators pose or glance away from the camera with exaggerated shyness.
- Petty or Sarcastic Use
- Someone over-explains why they are “totally” modest while flexing their achievements.
- Reaction Memes
- Users duet a video and respond with a “demure” face to something bold or unexpected.
Is the Demure Trend a Joke?
Many TikTok trends thrive on humor, irony, and self-awareness, and the demure trend is no exception. While the traditional meaning of demure implies genuine shyness or modesty, demure meaning TikTok version is often exaggerated and used as a joke.
Creators who participate in this trend usually pretend to be bashful while doing something bold or attention-grabbing, making the contrast between “modesty” and “confidence” part of the humor.
For example, a TikTok user might caption a video “Feeling so demure today” while striking a dramatic pose or winking at the camera. This type of playful irony is a staple of Gen Z humor, where words often take on meanings opposite to their original definitions.
So, is the demure trend a joke? In most cases, yes—it’s a way to be ironic, flirty, and self-aware while playing with traditional language.
What is Brat Summer?
In TikTok slang, brat summer is the opposite of demure. While the demure trend is all about elegance and restraint, brat summer is the complete opposite—it’s loud, messy, and unapologetic.
Why Does TikTok Love Redefining Words?
Social media platforms, especially TikTok, are breeding grounds for linguistic innovation. Words that have existed for centuries are suddenly repurposed and given fresh, digital-age meanings. Some reasons include:
- Irony & Playfulness: Many TikTok trends thrive on irony and exaggeration.
- Gen Z Slang Culture: The younger generation enjoys flipping traditional words into trendy catchphrases.
- Digital Communication Trends: The brevity of online interaction encourages catchy, adaptable language.
Other examples of traditional words that have been redefined on TikTok include:
- “Slay” (from victory to fabulousness)
- “Rizz” (short for charisma, meaning flirting ability)
- “Delulu” (delusional, used humorously for unrealistic fantasies)
TikTok & Social Media Growth: How Trends Impact Engagement
TikTok trends aren’t just about slang—they also shape how people interact with content. Using popular terms can help boost visibility on the platform. For instance, creators looking to grow their presence might consider incorporating trending words like demure in captions, hashtags, and engagement strategies.
To grow your TikTok following, it helps to stay updated on the latest trends. If you’re looking to expand your reach, you can get TikTok followers through strategic engagement tactics. Likewise, using viral content strategies can help you get TikTok views and increase interactions on your posts.
Final Thoughts
TikTok continues to be a powerhouse for viral trends and evolving slang, and “demure” is just the latest example of how language adapts in digital culture. Whether you’re using “demure” seriously or sarcastically, understanding its modern-day usage helps you stay in the loop with Gen Z’s internet lingo.
By staying updated with TikTok slang and trends, you can keep your content fresh, engaging, and aligned with the digital era!
FAQs
What does “demure” mean on TikTok?
On TikTok, demure has taken on a playful, exaggerated meaning. While traditionally it means modest, reserved, or shy, the TikTok trend is about pretending to be overly poised, elegant, and graceful—often in a humorous way.
What does “demure” mean in slang?
In slang, demure is used ironically to describe someone acting modest or refined while clearly knowing they stand out. It’s often paired with subtle flexing or exaggerated bashfulness.
What is the Urban Dictionary definition of “demure” on TikTok?
Urban Dictionary entries often highlight the ironic use of demure in TikTok culture, where people act prim and proper in an obviously self-aware or playful way.
What is the “demure” trend?
The demure trend on TikTok involves users pretending to be reserved or delicate in everyday situations—like getting off a plane, thanking hotel staff, or even discussing skincare routines—all with an exaggerated elegance.
Who started the “demure” TikTok trend?
TikTok creator Jools Lebron is credited with popularizing the demure trend. She first used the term in August 2023 and has since made numerous videos demonstrating demurity in different scenarios.
What is the meaning of a “demure woman”?
Traditionally, a demure woman is someone who is quiet, modest, and composed. However, on TikTok, it’s often used humorously to describe someone who is playfully refined while knowing they’re being extra.
What is “Demure TikTok Original”?
This usually refers to the original videos and content created by Jools Lebron, who started the demure trend and continues to shape its evolution on TikTok.
