TikTok Viral Trend: ‘Gen Z boss and a mini’ meme is the best kind of corporate cringe

TikTok has recently been swept up by the ‘Gen Z Boss And A Mini’ trend, capturing the attention of users with its catchy and playful phrases.

This viral sensation began with a video posted by @maisieisobel_ last month, featuring a group of friends creatively describing their night-out outfits.

“Boots and a slick back bun / cowboy boots and a blowie / sambas and a little red bag,” they chanted, inspiring countless others to join in.

Beauty company TBH Skincare quickly jumped on the trend, crafting their own version to describe their brand with phrases like: “Gen Z boss and a mini / Itty bitty titties and a bob / 5’3 and an attitude / Secret product and a trench / New Frank Green and a sneaky link / Fake tan hands and a hoop.”

The trend has proliferated across TikTok, with many users and corporate accounts putting their unique spin on the catchy hook. Celebrities such as Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, and Rachel Dratch have also participated, garnering millions of likes and widespread engagement.

However, the trend has not escaped criticism, with some detractors branding it as 'cringe' and emblematic of contrived corporate fun. Others have pointed out that Gen Z appears to be adopting behaviours reminiscent of Millennials, while a few comments have veered into toxic and misogynistic territory.

Despite the backlash, TBH Skincare has taken a humorous approach to the criticism, responding by reading negative comments in the style of the trend, including: "Gender pay gap bring it back / It’s giving Millennial core / Women should go back to the kitchen / Try not to cringe, impossible / Make it stop, hate this / Fire them all and a hoop.”

TikTok Humour is not for everyone

What people consider ‘funny’ varies significantly across social media platforms, with each platform catering to different demographics and styles of content. What resonates as funny on TikTok might not have the same effect on Instagram or Twitter, and this is evident with the 'Gen Z Boss And A Mini' trend as well.

TikTok's humour is often quick, relatable, and relies heavily on trends and challenges. The platform's predominantly younger audience enjoys fast-paced, visual content that often includes music, dance, and inside jokes. This environment makes trends like 'Gen Z Boss And A Mini' thrive, as it aligns with TikTok's culture of creativity and spontaneous fun.

Instagram, on the other hand, caters to a slightly older demographic that prefers more polished and aesthetically pleasing content. While humour does well on Instagram, it often needs to be more curated and visually engaging. Instagram users might appreciate the 'Gen Z Boss And A Mini' trend but may not engage with it in the same way as TikTok users. The humour on Instagram is more about visual appeal and less about the raw, unfiltered creativity seen on TikTok.

Twitter's humour is different yet again, leaning towards wit and brevity. Twitter users often enjoy clever, text-based jokes and commentary on current events. The 'Gen Z Boss And A Mini' trend might not translate as effectively on Twitter, where the humour is more about sharp, concise quips rather than participatory trends. Twitter's older and more diverse user base also influences the type of content that gains traction.

Understanding these differences is crucial for brands and content creators who aim to engage audiences across multiple platforms. The 'Gen Z Boss And A Mini' trend highlights how a single piece of content can be perceived differently depending on where it's shared, reflecting the unique cultures and preferences of each social media platform.

While the ‘Gen Z Boss And A Mini’ trend has sparked a range of reactions, it continues to thrive on TikTok, let women have some harmless fun on the internet! The men are free to join in too!