Goblin mode
Goblin mode is a neologism for rejecting societal expectations and living in an unkempt, hedonistic manner without regards to self-image.[1] Although usages of the term date back to 2009 with varying definitions, the term went viral in 2022 due a Tweet[2] by Twitter user Juniper, featuring a doctored headline of an interview with Julia Fox, where she alleges that then-boyfriend Kanye West's dislike of her going "goblin mode" was the cause of their breakup.[3][4] This doctored image prompted a huge spike in searches for "goblin mode", leading Fox to deny having used the term. The term has also been linked to a viral Reddit post in which a user admits to acting "like a goblin" when alone at home.[5][6]
The term quickly became viral on platforms such as TikTok, often as a response to other trends on the platform such as cottagecore or self-improvement.[5][7] In April 2022, Elon Musk posted an image macro implicitly attributing his proposed acquisition of Twitter to him being in "goblin mode".[8] In June 2022, the term was officially defined on Dictionary.com as "a slang term for a way of behaving that intentionally and shamelessly gives in to and indulges in base habits and activities without regard for adhering to social norms or expectations".[1]
The popularity of "goblin mode" may be linked to a rejection of the carefully curated lifestyles often presented by users of social media platforms. The trend has also been linked to a manner of coping with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on society since this is described as a way of life that gives people permission to ditch societal norms and embrace their basic instincts and in social media, letting their inner goblin out has been a freeing experience.[5][9][10]
See also
References
- ^ a b "Check Yourself, Have You Fallen Prey To "Goblin Mode"?". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
- ^ @JUNIPER (Feb 15, 2022). "no fucking way" (Tweet). Retrieved Sep 14, 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ "'Goblin mode': How the fake news spread amid Julia Fox, Kanye break-up". The Focus. 2022-02-24. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
- ^ Dodgson, Lindsay. "The person behind a fake Julia Fox headline about 'goblin mode' says they did her a favor by distracting from her breakup with Ye". Insider. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
- ^ a b c "Slobbing out and giving up: why are so many people going 'goblin mode'?". the Guardian. 2022-03-14. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
- ^ "'Goblin mode' is becoming part of people's everyday vocabulary. Language and meme experts share why". NBC News. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
- ^ Litterst, Rob (2022-03-17). "What the heck is 'goblin mode'?". The Hustle. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
- ^ Rosenberg, Scott (2022-04-12). "Elon Musk's "goblin mode" style of chaos is here to stay". Axios. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
- ^ "Are you in 'goblin mode'? How to ditch bad pandemic habits — and hold on to good ones". TODAY.com. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
- ^ George, Sam. "Goblin mode: a gothic expert explains the trend's mythical origins, and why we should all go 'vampire mode' instead". The Conversation. Retrieved 2022-09-14.