Why Gen Zs Wag Their Tongues in TikTok Dance Trends
Discover why Gen Z wags their tongues in dance trends. Explore the quirky culture behind this playful expression and its impact on viral dance moves in the TikTok era.
I remember back in the day, my friends and I used to stick our tongues out in every photo, thinking we were the epitome of cool. My mom's photo albums are basically a gallery of my tongue-wagging days. Sticking your tongue out can mean a lot of things: rudeness or cuteness, mockery or flirtation, disgust or playfulness, taunting or teasing, defiance and strength, respect or greeting, and even sexual provocation.
According to a 2023 Vox interview, this tongue-wagging craze is a hit on TikTok with Gen Z because they love being emotive and matching their facial expressions to the music. Some TikTok stars, like Maddie Grace Jepson, have made sticking their tongue out an art form. It's wild to see how a goofy gesture from my childhood has turned into a viral sensation. So, the next time you see a tongue-out dance move, just know that it's a playful nod to a timeless tradition that even you may already be a part of.
The TikTok Tongue-Out "Thing"
If you've spent more than five minutes on TikTok, you've probably noticed something peculiar: teenagers dancing with their tongues out, as if they’re auditioning for a role in a Gene Simmons biopic. Lol. What’s the story behind this bizarre trend?
TikTok’s Influence
TikTok is like a magical land where every dance move has the potential to go viral, and the tongue-out "thing" is no exception. In the never-ending quest for originality and quirkiness, Gen Z has discovered that adding a little tongue action to their moves makes their performances stand out. It's the perfect blend of playful rebellion and attention-grabbing flair.
Think of it as the exclamation point in the sentence of their dance routine. It’s the “Hey, look at me!” that’s required in the crowded TikTok space, where everyone is fighting for their fifteen seconds of fame.
Let’s not forget the influence of celebs like Miley Cyrus and Billie Eilish, who have turned tongue-wagging into an art form. When your favorite pop stars do it, it’s practically a mandate to follow suit. It’s like a celebrity-endorsed badge of coolness, and who doesn’t want to be cool on TikTok?
Making Goofy Look Authentic
Gen Z has mastered the art of making the goofy look glamorous. The tongue-out move is inherently silly, but that’s precisely why it works. It’s a visual cue that says, “I’m having fun and I don’t care if I look ridiculous.” In an era where authenticity is prized, nothing screams “real” like sticking out your tongue mid-dance.
Let’s get a bit psychological here. Sticking out your tongue is a classic expression of concentration and playfulness. Remember trying to draw within the lines as a kid? Exactly. It’s also a subtle form of rebellion against the hyper-curated, Instagram-perfect world. It’s Gen Z’s way of saying, “I’m not here to look perfect; I’m here to have fun.”
In the world of memes, anything can become legendary, and the tongue-out dance move is no different. It’s perfect fodder for meme creators who thrive on capturing and amplifying the silliness of internet culture.
Why Gen Z Can't Stop Wagging While They Wiggle
So, why do Gen Z-ers stick out their tongues while dancing on TikTok? Because it’s fun, it’s rebellious, and it’s the perfect blend of silly and cool. It’s a dance move that doesn’t take itself too seriously, much like the generation that popularized it.
In a world that often demands perfection, the tongue-out trend is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, it’s okay to let loose and embrace the joy of being a little ridiculous. So next time you scroll through TikTok and see a tongue-wagging teen busting a move, remember: they’re not just dancing, they’re making a statement – one playful wag at a time.
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