The Meaning Behind TikTok’s “I Look Good in Orange” Meme

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Learn how and why people use this code phrase to talk about jealousy
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On TikTok, code words and inside jokes are as common as cute cat videos. The latest to take over the platform is the phrase “I look good in orange.” It’s no fashion statement—TikTokers are using the meme phrase to joke about jealousy in relationships. Still confused? Keep reading for a breakdown of the meme, who really looks good in orange, and other TikTok relationship trends to know.

What does “I look good in orange” mean?

On TikTok, people say “I look good in orange” when someone flirts with their romantic interest. It comedically implies they’re willing to harm the person who’s flirting with their partner and go to jail in an orange jumpsuit. For example, “She’s talking to him but I look good in orange.”

Section 1 of 6:

TikTok’s “I Look Good In Orange” Meme, Explained

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  1. TikToks featuring this meme (like this one from creator @loyalpbboet) typically say, “When another girl talks to him but I look good in orange.” This is a coded way for the TikToker to imply that they are okay with going to prison—and wearing an orange jumpsuit—as punishment for harming the person who’s talking to their partner.
    • The meme is like a jokey warning to people who approach your partner, exaggerating what people are driven to do when they feel jealous—like in the viral SZA song “Kill Bill.”
    • This meme isn’t used only by girls. Guys have posted the same meme, acknowledging that anyone can be jealous in a relationship.
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Section 2 of 6:

Meme Language on TikTok

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  1. As users rush to go viral by coining relatable terms like “girl dinner” and “quiet quitting,” any phrase for a relatable experience or phenomenon has the potential to become a trend. “I look good in orange” is a classic example—people making TikTok videos with the meme use it to poke fun at jealous tendencies and repeat a catchy phrase, hoping to get more likes, follows, and engagement online. [1]
  2. Algospeak refers to using code words to avoid censorship online. Reporter Taylor Lorenz coined the term to describe the phenomenon of TikTokers using terms like “mascara,” “unalive,” “corn,” and “panorama” to talk about topics like sex and relationships, violence and death, and the COVID-19 pandemic. These codes arose because people suspected their videos would be hidden by the algorithm if they contained explicit language. [2]
    • “I look good in orange” is an example of algospeak. Instead of saying something like, “I would fight anyone that flirts with my partner and go to jail,” TikTokers make a veiled reference to the act.
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Section 3 of 6:

Dealing with Jealousy in Relationships

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  1. While not everyone feels jealous when someone talks to their partner, it’s okay if you do. It could stem from being cheated on in the past or having valid concerns about someone flirting with your partner. Whether or not feelings of jealousy are valid depends on the situation, but it’s best to communicate with your partner when you feel jealous , says Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC.
    • Ratson says you can start with something like, “When you talk to this woman or flirt with that woman [...] it makes me feel kind of sad and down.” Don’t place blame on your partner—focus on working through your feelings together.
    • When you find yourself feeling jealous, pause to acknowledge and accept the feeling. Only then can you address it. If you push it down, you might let feelings build up and manifest as resentment toward your partner. [3]
  2. Jealousy like what’s joked about in the “I look good in orange” meme is unhealthy—and even abusive if you actually try to harm people who talk to your partner or control who your partner sees. If you find yourself exhibiting these behaviors, consider seeking counseling to address the root of your insecurities and learn healthy coping mechanisms. [4]
    • Don’t forget to communicate openly with your partner. They may not realize that what they’re doing upsets you.
  3. It’s possible to deal with your feelings of jealousy and enjoy a healthy relationship. Get rid of unwanted feelings of jealousy by focusing on self-awareness and self-improvement. [5] If your jealousy stems from feeling insecure with yourself, finding hobbies you enjoy and developing your talents may be the key to helping you trust your partner and develop better self-esteem. [6]
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Section 4 of 6:

Who looks good in orange?

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  1. You have warm undertones if the veins inside your wrist appear more green than blue. If your skin tone is too deep for the vein test, wear a white T-shirt and look at your face. Does it appear more yellow than pink? That’s another sign you have warm undertones. [7]
    • Still stuck? Take our simple quiz to find out your skin undertones.
    • If you’re considered an Autumn or a Spring color season after a professional analysis, you have warm skin undertones.
    • Some people have neutral undertones, which means they’re flattered equally by colors meant for cool and warm undertones.
  2. Regardless of your undertones, skin tone, or personal style, anyone can pull off an orange look. For a bold outfit, wear a burnt orange top with neutral khakis or add bright orange accessories to a denim or all-black outfit. Make a subtler statement with soft orange and pale pink combinations, or a pale yellow and pale orange ensemble. [8]
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Section 5 of 6:

Symbolism of the Color Orange

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  1. The color represents the bright warmth of the sun, particularly when it’s painted across the sky during golden hour. It’s also become associated with autumn because it’s the color found on leaves, pumpkins, and all the yummiest fall lattes. [9]
  2. The color is bright and stimulating, so you may feel energized when you wear or view it. Use orange in interior design to make a space feel cheery and expansive. Just don’t overdo it, as an excess of orange can feel overwhelming. Instead of painting the walls orange, for example, add accent pillows or an orange throw blanket. [10]
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Section 6 of 6:

Other TikTok Relationship Terms

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  1. 1
    Orange peel theory In January 2024, “orange peel theory” went viral on TikTok. The trend saw users like @angelac0123 asking their partner to peel them an orange as a way to test if they were willing to do a small task to make you happy. The theory was that a good partner would peel the orange, while someone who didn’t really love you would refuse the request. [11]
    • Like many TikTok theories, orange peel theory lacks a scientific basis. It’s not wise to gauge someone’s love for you based on whether or not they’ll peel a fruit for you in a specific moment—there are many other ways people show love and kindness.
  2. 2
    Mascara Because TikTok is suspected of censoring videos about relationships and sex, people use code words like “mascara” to talk about these topics on the platform. It’s similar to how “I look good in orange” is code for being willing to go to jail (presumably for committing a violent act).
  3. 3
    The Boyfriend/Girlfriend Effect In 2023, people began uploading videos to TikTok showing what they dubbed “The Boyfriend Effect.” The trend showcases how they look before and after a relationship. Usually, they’re dressed up before they get a boyfriend, and dress casually without makeup after. The theory is that they become confident with their natural look because their partner makes them feel comfortable being themselves. [12]
    • Some TikTokers made “The Girlfriend Effect” trend in late 2023. However, it’s slightly different from the boyfriend effect. TikToks about the trend show guys having a glow-up once they get a girlfriend, presumably because she empowers them to find their sense of style. [13]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.vox.com/culture/24062406/tiktok-trends-slang-terms-coining
      2. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-64465583
      3. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2021/10/09/1044018004/jealousy-relationships-emotions
      4. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/relationships/a19558872/is-jealousy-healthy/
      5. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/soulaimagourani/2019/08/18/the-secret-behind-jealousy--overcoming-unhealthy-competition-in-order-to-achieve-real-success/?sh=5c6793561e94
      6. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/envy-jealousy-and-shame
      7. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/beauty/skincare/a559931/skin-tone-colour-undertones-cool-warm-neutral/
      8. ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com/colors-that-go-with-orange
      9. ↑ https://www.colorpsychology.org/orange/
      1. ↑ https://www.colorpsychology.org/orange/
      2. ↑ https://www.vox.com/culture/2024/1/25/24048474/orange-peel-theory-tiktok-relationship-test-explained
      3. ↑ https://www.intheknow.com/archive/the-boyfriend-effect-is-tiktoks-latest-trend-and-gen-z-is-showing-how-theyve-changed-since-getting-into-a-relationship.html
      4. ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/viral/girlfriend-effect-dating-women-gives-men-glowups-rcna117432

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