Unearthing 'Gardening' and ‘Garden Gummies’ on TikTok: A Cultural Phenomenon Rooted in Slang
In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of TikTok, a new term has been cropping up in the lexicon of its users - 'gardening' and ‘garden gummies.’ But this isn't about trowels and green thumbs. In the unique digital environment of TikTok, 'gardening' has taken on a completely different meaning, becoming a clever euphemism for smoking weed and taking THC gummies. This linguistic shift is not just a whimsical play on words but a reflection of broader social attitudes and the ways in which communities adapt to the confines of social media platforms.
The Rise of 'Gardening'
The genesis of 'gardening' and ‘garden gummies’ as slang terms can be traced back to TikTok influencer Natalie Benson, who coined this euphemism to respond to the platform's stringent moderation policies. On TikTok, discussing topics deemed sensitive or inappropriate, such as marijuana and hemp-derived delta 8 or delta 9 THC use, can lead to content being flagged or removed. Thus, 'gardening' emerged as a clever workaround - a secret code that allows users to communicate openly without fear of censorship. The term has grown roots within the community, with 'garden' referring to the place where weed is smoked and 'gardener' to those who partake.
Reflecting Changing Attitudes
What makes the 'gardening' trend particularly fascinating is its reflection of changing social attitudes towards marijuana and hemp-based THC. Once a taboo subject, weed has increasingly become a part of mainstream conversation, partly due to its legalization in various parts of the world. The adoption of 'gardening' on TikTok mirrors this shift. It's less about the act itself and more about a cultural movement towards openness and normalization of what was once considered a fringe activity.
The Influence of Social Media Moderation
The creation and spread of terms like 'gardening' underscore the significant impact that social media moderation has on user behavior. As platforms enforce community guidelines, users find innovative ways to bypass these restrictions, giving rise to a unique form of online communication. This digital cat-and-mouse game between users and platform algorithms is a testament to the dynamic nature of online speech and the resilience of digital communities in preserving their freedom of expression.
Euphemisms as Cultural Markers
As we delve into the depths of 'gardening' and ‘garden gummies’ and their implications, it's clear that such euphemisms are more than mere linguistic play. They are cultural markers, signifying the ways in which online communities form their own dialects and codes. In the digital era, where words can be monitored and content moderated, euphemisms serve as a testament to the creativity and adaptability of online communities. They represent a form of resistance against imposed constraints, a flowering of language that continues to grow and evolve, much like the very gardens they metaphorically represent.
In essence, 'gardening' on TikTok is more than just a trend. It's a window into how language evolves in the face of technological and societal changes, reflecting the enduring spirit of human communication in the face of adversity and control.