If you’ve been scrolling through your TikTok FYP and seen a flood of videos about “cute winter boots” that seem a bit off, you’re definitely not alone. However, it’s not the latest micro-trend the algorithm wants you to cash in on, rather a creative tool of resistance used to navigate a weird time in the world.
What is the “cute winter boots” trend on TikTok?
The “cute winter boots” trend on TikTok has taken on a much deeper meaning than just fashion advice. It’s become a clever code for users to discuss sensitive political topics without triggering content moderation algorithms.
The trend often involves creators talking about boots while displaying unrelated messages. Some have opted to talk about winter boots while they write their real message on a piece of paper. Others use an audio about winter boots over a video that may be flagged.
“Here’s some safety tips for going out in your cute winter boots. You’re going to memorise your first amendment rights, because those are the rights you’re exercising when you’re out in your cute winter boots”, said one TikTok user participating in the trend.
Some TikTokers are even using the trend to share resources. TikTok shop links that appear to be promoting boots, often redirect users to items like protest gear or books that may help educate people on their rights in the current political climate.
Why do people use coded language on TikTok?
Coded language isn’t new to TikTok. Users have been using code words to get around TikTok’s censorship rules for years. Think the word ‘unalive’ instead of ‘death’, ‘pew-pew’ in place of ‘gun’, ‘corn’ instead of ‘porn’ and even shortening ‘Palestine’ to ‘PStine’. Some have even started to use the term ‘ice-cream truck’ to signal a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement truck.
While there have been criticisms of this codified language watering down serious issues, users taking part in the “cute boots” trend argue this style of communication is necessary.
As creator Cities By Diana explained to the Economic Times: “TikTok users are smart. They’ve been speaking in code for years, and they’re preparing for a future where speech might be even more constrained”.
If you think this all sounds a little dramatic, the precautions do have some basis. Users have been reporting censorship of anti-Trump and anti-Elon Musk content following the 14 hour TikTok ban. Reuters reported that people have noticed their posts and comments being more often moderated than before, as well as an increase in “policy violations”.
Major tech giants including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and of course Elon all turned up to Trump’s inauguration signalling that they’ll definitely be following the president’s lead in some capacity. We’ve already seen Zuckerberg discard fact-checkers on Meta due to “political bias” and be accused of censoring posts from US abortion pill providers.
While the “cute winter boots” trend has confused many users, it’s likely we’ll be seeing more of these creative digital whispers trying to get messages out as we enter the new Trump administration.
Lead image: @nini.datq / @cassypintox / @southernvvitch via TikTok
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