What Zesty Really Means on TikTok

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Why people are calling this popular TikTok slang offensive
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Have you seen the word “zesty” thrown around on TikTok and wondered what it meant? “Zesty” is a popular slang term often used to mock certain kinds of behavior in TikTok videos. In the past, it had a more positive meaning, but it’s now being used in a way that’s offensive. Read on to learn more about why this popular slang term is problematic and what you can say instead.

TikTok Meaning of Zesty: Quick Overview

“Zesty” is a slang term often used in TikTok videos as a derogatory way to describe a man or boy who is acting or dressing in a stereotypically feminine way. Less commonly, it's used to describe things that are energetic, lively, or interesting.

Section 1 of 4:

What does zesty mean on TikTok?

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  1. It’s often used to describe videos of men or boys acting in a way that is stereotypically feminine. Using “zesty” to mock someone for behavior they categorize as “feminine” or “gay” makes it a homophobic and sexist term. This type of name-calling is a form of bullying that can cause emotional and psychological harm. [1]
    • Using homophobic language to mock men and boys who don’t conform to rigid gender norms suggests there’s a “right” way to be a male person and that they are doing it wrong or there’s something shameful about what they’re doing. [2]
    • As long as they aren’t doing someone harm, no one should be made to feel shameful for behaving in ways that feel natural to them.
    • This type of language is also misogynistic, because it suggests that there’s something wrong with behavior that’s traditionally associated with women and girls.
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Section 2 of 4:

Is it okay to call people zesty?

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  1. “Zesty” is most frequently used as an offensive way to make fun of effeminate and gay men on TikTok. While in the past, people may have used “zesty” in a more positive way to mean energetic or fun, it’s now most commonly used as a derogatory term. Even if you don’t use “zesty” as a negative term, the popularity of the negative usage can make people think you’re using it that way, too.
    • Some people may claim they’re just joking when they use “zesty” in an offensive manner. However, even when slurs are used as jokes, they support harmful ideas about gender norms and negatively affect perceptions of gay people. [3]
    • Homophobic language is often used on social media to protect the idea of traditional masculinity when a man or boy has positive emotions, but that doesn’t make it okay. [4]
Section 3 of 4:

Is zesty always used as an insult?

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  1. “Zesty" originally was used to describe flavorful food or lively behavior. According to dictionaries, it means something has a strong, pleasant, and spicy flavor, as in a “zesty taco.” Zesty can also be used to describe something lively and pleasing, like a “zesty sense of humor.” [5]
    • Unfortunately, these are older definitions, and neither is the most popular way the term is being used on TikTok at the moment.
    • Because “zesty” is so commonly used in a derogatory manner, it’s best not to use it to describe someone, which might be taken as homophobic or offensive.
    • Outside of TikTok, “zesty” is still commonly used to describe flavorful food.
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Section 4 of 4:

Positive & Supportive Slang to Use Instead

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  1. Because of the way “zesty” is used on TikTok, it’s not an acceptable term to describe a person even when you want to be positive. Try one of these other trendy complimentary slang phrases that are more positive and supportive:
    • Drip or Drippin’ : This term refers to fashionable or sexy personal style, as in, “Man, you look drippin’ tonight!”
    • Hits different : Something that’s so cool that it has a strong effect or influence on you. For example, “On you, that shirt just hits different.”
    • Snatched : This term has the same meaning as “fierce” or “on point,” usually referencing hair, makeup, or physical appearance, as in, “You look so snatched right now!”
    • Understood the assignment : This phrase means someone totally nailed anything from landing the perfect sarcastic comeback to hitting a 3-point shot right at the buzzer. For example, “I wasn’t sure about Jennie being cast as Romeo, but she really understood the assignment.”
    • Slaps : This slang term means something is excellent or amazing, usually in reference to music. However, it’s also been used to describe great food, a nice outfit, or an impressive dance move, such as, “Whoa, Justin! Your dance challenge TikTok video slaps!”
    • Bussin’ : Originally used to describe delicious food, the term is now used to describe anything that you think is really, really good. For example, “That sketch you did of Charlie is bussin’, Amanda.”
    • Amped : This is a great word to use to describe excitement or enthusiasm, as in, “Brandon was all amped up for the concert. We had so much fun!”

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-60303321
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communication-success/202306/the-impact-of-gender-expectations-on-boys-and-young-men
      3. ↑ https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2016/07/20/_it_s-just-a-joke--the-subtle-effects-of-offensive-language.html
      4. ↑ https://phys.org/news/2019-04-men-homophobic-tweets-masculinity-article.html
      5. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/zesty

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