What Does “Demure” Mean in Internet Slang?
You might know “demure” as a word from your high school English class, where it meant shy, reserved, or modest. But if you’ve been scrolling through TikTok, X (Twitter), or even meme pages lately, you’ve probably seen it used in a totally different (and slightly ironic) way.
So what does “demure” actually mean online?
Let’s break it down.
The Internet Definition of “Demure”
In modern slang, “demure” has taken on a sarcastic, ironic, and aesthetic-heavy meaning. It’s often used to describe someone (often femme-presenting) doing something outrageous, bold, or dramatic while pretending to be “innocent” or “soft.”
Think of it like:
Wearing a tiny top and thigh-high boots while claiming, “I’m just a little demure girl.”
Origin:
The slang use of demure started gaining traction in 2022–2023 on TikTok, particularly among creators in the alt, bimbo, and hyperfemme subcultures. It’s part of the trend of reclaiming traditionally “feminine” traits — with a wink. The term exploded thanks to the “coquette” and “soft girl” aesthetics, paired with tongue-in-cheek self-commentary.
What “Demure” Can Mean (Slang Contexts)
| Meaning | Context | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Ironic modesty | A bold or provocative outfit labeled “demure” | Sarcastic, playful |
| Hyperfeminine performance | Acting ultra-girly in an exaggerated way | Camp, aesthetic |
| Reclaiming softness | Embracing “cute” or passive traits with power | Empowering, Gen Z feminist |
| Memeified behavior | Captioning chaotic behavior with “I’m so demure” | Humor, absurdist |
| Aesthetic branding | Used in alt/bimbo captions or usernames | Vibe-driven, internet-native |
Real-Life Slang Use: Examples
| Scenario | Usage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| TikTok Outfit Reveal | “Felt cute in this… very demure of me.” | A bold fit labeled as innocent |
| Tweet after drama | “I’m deleting and going back to being demure.” | Sarcasm after chaos |
| IG Caption | “Serving demure bimbo realness.” | Coquette-core meets self-aware femme |
| Group chat message | “Just yelled at my ex and blocked him. Feeling demure.” | Humorous contradiction |
| Aesthetic profile name | @DemureDoll or @demure.kitten | Alt/bimbo branding |
Are You Being Demure?
- ✔ Bold outfit? — Label it “modest.”
- ✔ Started drama? — Claim you’re “retiring.”
- ✔ Just too cute? — Blame your “demure energy.”
- ✔ Name ends in .doll or .bimbo? — Certified Demure Queen.
FAQ: All About “Demure” (Slang Edition)
Q1: Is “demure” always used sarcastically online?
A1: Not always, but usually! In modern slang, it’s mostly ironic — people use it to label bold behavior as innocent for comedic or aesthetic effect.
Q2: Can guys use “demure” too?
A2: Absolutely. While it’s more common in femme/queer spaces, anyone can tap into the playful tone. Picture a guy in crop top and eyeliner saying “I’m being so demure rn.”
Q3: Is it offensive to use “demure” this way?
A3: Not inherently. It’s often used in self-aware, reclaiming ways. However, context matters — always be mindful of tone and audience.
Q4: What’s the difference between “demure” and “coquette”?
A4: “Demure” is more about irony and exaggeration, while “coquette” leans into vintage flirty femininity. But both overlap heavily in aesthetic subcultures.
