“Septum arms” is the latest TikTok phrase to leave social media users confused, offended, and bewildered. This obscure terminology began trending on the platform following a series of videos that reference it without explicitly stating what it means, prompting widespread bafflement and irritation.
With more than two-thirds of TikTok users aged between 18-34, this Gen Z digital landscape has seen the emergence of a new kind of language known as “algo-speak.” Algo-speak aims to substitute words that may prompt moderators to remove a post. Examples include “unalive” for “dead” and “seggs” . However, “septum arms” does not appear to fall into this category, leaving many to wonder about its true meaning.
What are Septum Arms Mean?
In anatomy, a septum is a dividing wall between soft tissues. For example, the nasal septum is the thin wall that separates your right and left nostrils. The term “septum intermusculare laterale brachii” refers to the band of fascia (walls of tough connective tissue) that separate sections of the arm. However, this anatomical definition is not believed to be the one trending on social media.
There is no conclusive definition of septum arms in the context of the TikTok trend, but there are plenty of different opinions across social media. Some have claimed it refers to nose piercings in the septum. Others suggest it is connected to discussions of self-harm, a particular area of concern on social media.
Septum Arms TikTok
On TikTok, “septum arms” has taken on a unique and somewhat humorous connotation. The trend often features users, typically girls, showcasing a specific arm movement that supposedly accentuates or complements their septum piercings. This has become a distinctive form of expression and identity, blending body language with body modification trends.
The septum piercing, a type of body modification that involves piercing the cartilage between the nostrils, has gained popularity for its edgy and versatile look. However, septum arms on TikTok aren’t about the piercing itself but rather the playful and often exaggerated movements that people with septum piercings perform. These movements, often choreographed to music or as part of comedic skits, involve a specific way of holding or moving the arms, creating an aesthetically cohesive and engaging visual.
Origins and Popularity
The origin of the septum arms trend can be traced back to a few viral videos where influencers with septum piercings demonstrated this quirky arm movement. The unique combination of the piercing and the synchronized arm movements quickly caught on, leading to thousands of TikTok users replicating the trend and adding their personal twists.
What makes septum arms particularly captivating is the blend of humor, creativity, and a sense of community among those who participate. It’s a form of self-expression that resonates with the younger generation, who often seek novel ways to stand out and connect with others online.
Septum Arms Urban Dictionary
Septum Arms Urban Dictionary, a crowdsourced online dictionary for slang words and phrases, has its own definition of septum arms. According to Urban Dictionary, septum arms are “a style of arm movement popularized on TikTok, where individuals with septum piercings move their arms in a distinctive, often humorous manner.” This definition captures the essence of the trend and its association with the social media platform.
Cultural Impact and Critique
The cultural impact of septum arms extends beyond TikTok. It reflects broader societal trends where body modifications and social media influence intersect. Septum piercings have long been a symbol of rebellion and individuality, and the septum arms trend amplifies this symbolism through the performative aspect of social media.
Critics might argue that trends like septum arms trivialize body modifications or reduce them to mere social media spectacles. However, supporters see it as an innovative way to celebrate personal choices and the freedom to express oneself in a digital age. It’s a reflection of how contemporary culture continuously evolves, blending traditional forms of self-expression with new-age digital platforms.
The TikTok Girl Phenomenon
A notable subset of the septum arms trend involves the so-called “septum arms Tiktok girl,” a term that has become synonymous with young female influencers who dominate the platform with their unique styles and content. These girls often set the tone for new trends, and their influence is seen in the widespread adoption of septum arms.
TikTok girls with septum piercings often use their videos to showcase not just their piercings but their personalities, humor, and creativity. The arm movements become a part of their online persona, contributing to their overall aesthetic and appeal. This phenomenon underscores the powerful role of influencers in shaping online trends and the ways in which body modifications like septum piercings are integrated into broader social narratives.
Conclusion
Septum arms represent a fascinating blend of body modification culture and social media innovation. Originating on TikTok, this trend highlights the playful and creative ways in which individuals express themselves online. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of digital culture, where traditional forms of self-expression are continuously reimagined and adapted to new platforms.
While some may view septum arms as a fleeting trend, its impact on the cultural landscape is undeniable. It showcases the dynamic interplay between personal identity, social media, and community, reminding us of the endless possibilities for creativity and connection in the digital age. As TikTok continues to be a breeding ground for new trends, septum arms stand out as a unique and entertaining expression of individuality and the power of social media influence.