January: Miley Cyrus’ Break-Up Single Sparks TikTok Theories
TikTok went into a frenzy when Miley Cyrus released a cryptic break-up single. Users analyzed every line, leading to theories about the song being aimed at her ex, Liam Hemsworth. The comparisons to Bruno Mars’ song “When I Was Your Man” added fuel to the fire.
February: Pedro Pascal Takes TikTok by Storm
Pedro Pascal became a TikTok sensation thanks to his role in The Mandalorian. Clips from his previous work, including a memorable scene from The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, went viral. Even videos of him eating a sandwich gained millions of views.
March: John Pork and the Strange Meme Phenomenon
A bizarre meme featuring an anthropomorphic pig-man influencer named John Pork took TikTok by storm. The internet created lore around John Pork, mourning his cancellation and death. Fake obituaries from celebrities added to the strange allure of the meme.
April: TikTok Embraces the Wes Anderson Aesthetic
TikTok users started capturing mundane moments in the style of acclaimed director Wes Anderson. The trend gained popularity, with people Wes Anderson-ifying everything from their meals to their baby’s birth. However, the oversaturation of the trend led to some fatigue by May.
May: The Return of the Coastal Grandma Aesthetic
The coastal grandma aesthetic trend made a comeback in May. TikTok users embraced flowing fabrics, thin knitwear, and beige tones reminiscent of iconic movie characters like Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep. It is expected to resurface again in 2024.
June: Monica Poli, the Venetian Vigilante
Monica Poli, a TikTokker from Venice, gained fame for alerting tourists to pickpockets with her signature cry of “ATTENZIONE PICKPOCKET.” Initially seen as a hero, she later revealed her far right political beliefs, showing the unpredictable nature of the internet.
July: The Rise and Fall of the Girl Dinner Trend
The “girl dinner” trend began innocently, with women sharing their love for small, eclectic meals. However, controversy soon arose, with accusations of glorifying anorexia and disordered eating. The trend quickly transformed into a humorous phrase to describe unappetizing food.
August: The More Passion Meme Takes Hold
A viral TikTok audio featuring a man dancing to another person’s instructions of “more passion” became a cultural phenomenon. The phrase became recognizable to Gen Z, serving as a way to identify someone’s age bracket.
September: The Roman Empire Trend Dominates TikTok
The question “How often do you think about the Roman Empire?” became a popular trend on TikTok. However, its fleeting nature led to jokes about its cringeworthiness. Even Natalie Portman asking Paul Mescal about it in an interview was seen as a humorous reference to generational differences.
October: Martin Scorsese Becomes a TikTok Star
Francesca Scorsese, daughter of Martin Scorsese, shared adorable videos of her father learning Gen Z slang and participating in interactive games. The TikTok fame of the acclaimed director lasted only a month, but the videos are expected to be cherished for years to come.
November: The Orange Peel Theory and Basic Acts of Service
TikTokkers discussed the “orange peel theory” in November. It revolved around the idea that a partner who peels an orange without being asked demonstrates love and care. This basic concept of an act of service gained attention, showing the teenage nature of TikTok trends.
December: Men Struggle to Name Women in Hilarious TikTok Trend
A TikTok trend emerged, challenging men to “name a woman.” The humor came from their struggles to come up with a single name, often revealing their true feelings. The trend became a playful game, putting men to the test during the holiday season.
Throughout 2023, TikTok continued to surprise and captivate users with its ever-changing trends. From viral dances to cultural references, the app showcased the unpredictable nature of internet culture. As we enter a new year, who knows what strange and exciting trends TikTok will bring?
