What does "fruity" on TikTok mean? The viral phrase explained

20 October 2020, 12:15

Mattie explains definition of fruity on TikTok

By Jazmin Duribe

Everyone is using the term "fruity" on TikTok – but what does it actually mean?

At this point, TikTok practically has its own language. Whether it's "shifting" or "Heather", only the most TikTok obsessed understand what anything means. "Fruity" is the latest word that everyone is using on the platform – here's what the viral phrase actually means…

What does fruity mean on TikTok?

"Fruity" is a term used to describe someone who belongs to the LGBTQ+ community. It actually isn't a new term, and some might actually find it to be offensive, but it's currently being reclaimed by the Gay TikTok subculture.

In case you didn't know, TikTok has various subcultures with the main ones being Straight TikTok (think Charli D'Amelio and Addison Rae's content) and Alt TikTok (meaning alternative). The LGBTQ+ community are all a part of Alt TikTok, which is where the term "fruity" came from.

A TikTok user named Mattie (@westbrouck) put "fruity" into context in a viral video. In the clip, Mattie explains that a "trucker version of Hulk" came into their work asking which drink he should order and Mattie suggested he should get the pink lemonade tea. "Oh that sounds kind of fruity," the trucker said, and Mattie replied: "Oh, well sir, I'm fruity," meaning they identified as LGBTQ.

The customer didn't understand and, after ordering the pink lemonade tea, replied: "Y'know kid, I think I might be fruity too." Now other LGBTQ+ TikTok users are using "fruity" to describe their sexual orientation.

The fruity hashtag, which currently has 105 million views, won't just bring up LGBTQ+ content, though. The foodie community also use the term to share videos of actual fruit. So if you're looking for a new way to connect with the LGBTQ+ community, or dice a watermelon, or both, browse the fruity content on TikTok.