T
The Daily Insight

What does “side eye” mean on TikTok? Latest trend sends the internet into a frenzy

Author

Sarah Richards

Published Feb 06, 2026

A few people online are presently utilizing the expression “side eye” because of tweets, images, recent developments, and that’s just the beginning. This recent fad is the most recent to assume control over online entertainment stages, and should be visible all around the web, particularly Twitter and TikTok.

The expression conveys that an individual is condemning about something specific utilizing just their eyes.

“Side eye” is the most recent to bounce on board the fad of patterns advocated by TikTok, with a few clients currently utilizing the expression to communicate their disappointment.

What are netizens talking about the “side eye” pattern that is assuming control over the web?

The viral TikTok pattern is an approach to communicating web clients passing judgment on a person or thing they disdain, as they drop a remark with this expression.

In everyday up close and personal collaborations, a side eye commonly shows dismay and is utilized when a specific circumstance seems to be unremarkable. Consequently, remarks with this expression have now turned into a way for netizens to grandstand that they could do without the current content.

One more variety of this pattern is highlights individuals showing their looks in a video, with a sound saying “side eye” being played behind the scenes.

Web-based entertainment clients are not energetic about this pattern, with many in any event, considering it “horrible” TikTok pattern on the web. Talking about something very similar, Twitter client @Chlecea_ composed:

Some web clients said that when they originally run over this pattern, they felt that individuals are simply utilizing this sound since it was moving, however subsequent to getting to be aware of the genuine importance of the pattern, they could have done without it.

One of the clients @KrolsCircus composed that this expression is TikTok’s “expression of the month” and there are various remarks in which the clients have included it.

This isn’t the first of the TikTok patterns to stand out as truly newsworthy. As of late, Gen Z shared how they get annoyed by the thumbs-up emoticon since they believe that it is discourteous.
Nonetheless, when Gen Z discussed their thoughts about the emoticon via web-based entertainment, a few recent college grads promptly took to the web to say that they frequently send their partners thumbs-up emoticons, and presently they need to reconsider sending it.

Web clients are speculating that it is presently time for the “side eye” expression to take the spotlight.