Social media has always been a breeding ground for new slang. There’s always something fresh trending, whether meme references or funny word combinations. TikTok has a whole universe of odd viral trends – like the current sex trend of “dabbing” – hacks and new meanings for words you’ve surely heard a million times. One such term that has entered TikTok lingo is “zesty.” When you hear the word, you generally think of something fruity, like a lemon or orange. However, the word has more than one meaning and application on TikTok. Here’s what you should know about zesty meaning on TikTok.
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What Does “Zesty” Mean on TikTok?

Zesty, meaning on TikTok, is “appealingly piquant or lively” and “full of energy, enthusiasm, and flavor.” It means the same thing on TikTok. People on the social media platform typically use the term when discussing certain videos or trends that are entertaining or fascinating to watch. If anything on TikTok is zesty, it indicates it’s exciting, entertaining, and stimulating. It might be anything ranging from a song or dance to a person or movie. And the word appears to be popular as TikTok slang, with the hashtag #zesty garnering over 78 million views on the app. We are most likely to encounter the word zesty about food in our everyday lives. However, the term refers to a wide range of things on TikTok.
Is There a Sexual Connotation to The Word Zesty?
While the word zesty is usually used to describe something fun and energetic on TikTok, it also has a pretty racy connotation. Some individuals use zesty to characterize someone or something sexy, provocative, or sexually enticing. For example, a sensual image or video may be described as a “zesty thirst trap.” A thirst trap is a social media post designed to get the attention of a person or people, particularly someone you might like. Thirst traps can include anything from sexual photos to x-rated videos that attract us – the term zesty describes them well.
Where Does the Word “Zesty” Come From?

It was originally documented in Urban Dictionary in 2009 and was initially characterized as “the way my advisor describes someone who looks and dresses like they could be gay or homosexual.” More Urban Dictionary definitions began to appear in 2022, inspired by TikTok usage. Starting in January 2022, videos with the hashtag “#zesty” began to appear in large numbers, all leading back to one video featuring multiple young Black males posing effeminately around the house.
“Zesty” Usage in Memes
Memes using the term “zesty” leverage two aspects. The first is the word’s gay and effeminate meaning. The second issue is the unusual nature of the word; before 2022, it was not commonly used at all. Meme makers benefited from both aspects: what it meant and its minimal usage. It also begins with a “z,” which contributes to the uniqueness of its sound. Throughout the rest of 2022, the word “zesty” appeared in numerous videos. Consider someone dancing and whose hips are swaying a bit too much: zesty. Say someone waves “Hi” but moves their elbow too much: zesty. Animals were called zesty; music was labeled zesty, and concepts were labeled zesty… Platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and iFunny have become oversaturated with the term.
@allanbarth Life flashed before my eyes 😵#FORDfortheBuilders #zesty ♬ tenracks ft. Calviin
TikTok Has Developed Other Slang Terms As Well
Zesty is the most recent term to be adopted and reused for usage on TikTok. TikTok has given terms like “city boy” new meanings, and the app can also develop new words or phrases that only have meaning on the platform. “Kaw” and “kissed” are two recent examples of this tendency, and both terms are only significant to a small group of TikTok users. Fortunately, zesty is a more often used term than others. That means that even if you’ve never heard it before, you might be able to figure out what it refers to based on context clues. Although it may not be obvious, most people have heard the word zesty before.
FAQs
The word “zesty” means lively, energetic, or exciting. It became a TikTok trend through the creation of videos that incorporate high-energy dance moves and vibrant music.
“Zesty” is often used in TikTok videos to describe movements, actions, or moments that are particularly lively or energetic. It typically accompanies content that is upbeat and engaging.
Some examples of “zesty” TikTok videos that have gone viral include dance challenges, lip-syncs, and comedic sketches that incorporate lively music and theatrical movements.
There are no specific dance moves or challenges associated with the “zesty” trend, but many TikTok creators incorporate high-energy dance routines into their videos.
Anyone can participate in the “zesty” trend, as it is open to all TikTok users.
The “zesty” trend has evolved over time to encompass a wide variety of content, including dance challenges, lip-syncs, and comedic skits.
Some tips for incorporating “zesty” elements into your own TikTok videos include using high-energy music, incorporating theatrical movements, and experimenting with different dance styles.
Many influencers and celebrities have embraced the “zesty” trend on TikTok, including Addison Rae, Charli D’Amelio, and Lizzo.
It is difficult to predict the long-termpopularity of any TikTok trend, but “zesty” has been around for several months and continues to be widely used by creators.
As with any trend on TikTok, there is always the potential for cultural appropriation or backlash from viewers. It is important to be mindful of the origins of the trend and to be respectful of the cultures and communities that it may draw inspiration from.
Conclusion
“zesty” has become a popular slang term among the younger generation on TikTok. The term often describes something exciting, fun, or lively. It has evolved from its original meaning of referring to a flavor or taste to now encompassing a broader sense of enthusiasm and energy. Whether it’s about food, music, or just someone’s personality, “zesty” has become a staple in the lexicon of TikTok culture. Its widespread use is a testament to how new words and phrases can quickly gain popularity and take on a life of their own in the digital age. We hope this blog answered all your questions about zesty meaning on TikTok.
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