Goblin mode
Goblin mode is a neologism for the rejection of societal expectations in a hedonistic manner without concern for one's self-image.[1] While usage of the term dates back to 2009[citation needed] with varying definitions, the term went viral in early 2022.
The 2022 popularity derived from a tweet by Twitter shitposter Junlper featuring a doctored Fox News interview headline, purporting that actress Julia Fox used the phrase.[2][3][4] The image prompted a large increase in online searches for goblin mode, leading Fox to clarify she did not use the term. Goblin mode 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 went viral on social media platforms such as TikTok, often as a response to other trends such as cottagecore or self-improvement.[5][7] In April 2022, business magnate Elon Musk posted an image macro implicitly attributing his proposed acquisition of Twitter, Inc. to him being in "goblin mode".[8] In June 2022, the term was 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] In December 2022, online respondents selected the term from Oxford Languages' shortlist, which also included metaverse and #IStandWith, as the Word of the Year.[9][10]
The popularity of goblin mode may be linked to a rejection of the perceived carefully curated lifestyles often presented by social media users. The trend has also been linked to a manner of coping with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on society, because it is described as a way of life that gives people permission to reject societal norms and embrace their basic instincts.[5][11][12]
See also
[edit]- Goblincore, a subculture inspired by the folklore of goblins
- Tang ping – Chinese neologism, "lying flat"
- Deviance (sociology)
- Iliza Shlesinger, who promoted the term "party goblin"
References
[edit]- 1 2 "Check Yourself, Have You Fallen Prey To "Goblin Mode"?". Dictionary.com. 2022-06-07. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
- ↑ @JUNlPER (Feb 15, 2022). "no fucking way" (Tweet). Retrieved Sep 14, 2022 – via Twitter.
- ↑ Leung, Yasmine (2022-02-24). "'Goblin mode': How the fake news spread amid Julia Fox, Kanye break-up". The Focus. Archived from the original on 2022-02-16. 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.
- 1 2 3 Paul, Kari (2022-03-14). "Slobbing out and giving up: why are so many people going 'goblin mode'?". The Guardian. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
- ↑ Rosenblatt, Kalhan (2022-04-02). "'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.
- ↑ Schuessler, Jennifer (2022-12-04). "The Word of the Year Goes Goblin Mode". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-12-05.
- ↑ Bellware, Kim (2022-12-06). "What is 'goblin mode,' anyway? It's Oxford's 2022 Word of the Year". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2022-12-06.
- ↑ Callahan, Chrissy. "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 (2022-04-01). "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.
