Scrolling through TikTok, you might’ve stumbled on the phrase “wabi sabi” and thought, “Wait, what does wabi sabi mean on TikTok?” 🤔 It’s everywhere—from cozy room makeovers to imperfect coffee art—and it’s shaping a whole vibe that’s about embracing flaws and keeping things real. But this isn’t just some random slang; it’s got a deep, aesthetic heart with a side of TikTok humor. Stick around, because we’re breaking down what wabi sabi really means on TikTok, where it started, how to use it, and the funniest ways it pops up online.
Origin: Where Does Wabi Sabi Come From?
Wabi sabi isn’t a TikTok invention. It’s a traditional Japanese concept and aesthetic that celebrates imperfection, impermanence, and the beauty of things that are “imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.” Think cracked pottery, faded paint, or a sunbeam hitting dust motes just so. It’s poetic and kinda zen.
On TikTok, wabi sabi has been reimagined as a slang term that embodies not only this aesthetic but a lifestyle—one that appreciates authenticity over perfection. It’s the opposite of “glow-up” culture, instead saying, “It’s okay to be messy, real, and a little quirky.”
How Is Wabi Sabi Used on TikTok?
If you’re wondering what does wabi sabi mean on TikTok in everyday lingo, it’s often used to describe moments, people, or things that are charmingly imperfect.
For example, you might see a TikTok showing a room that’s not Pinterest-perfect but cozy AF, captioned:
“Not a 10 but totally wabi sabi vibes 🤎”
Or a clip of a homemade cake that’s slightly burnt but tastes amazing:
“This cake? Wabi sabi energy. Would eat 10/10 😂”
It’s basically an aesthetic + mood combo that encourages you to appreciate the beautifully flawed stuff in real life.
Do’s & Don’ts: How to Use Wabi Sabi Like a Pro
- Do use it to compliment authenticity and cozy imperfection.
- Don’t use it ironically to mock people—wabi sabi is about respect and acceptance!
- Do pair it with visuals that have a warm, imperfect, lived-in feel.
- Don’t overuse it in situations where “messy” really means “just bad.” There’s a balance!
- Do embrace it as a mood—messy hair, quirky smiles, home-cooked meals that aren’t Instagram perfect.
- Don’t confuse it with “hot mess” vibes—wabi sabi is intentional imperfection, not chaos.
The Funniest and Weirdest Ways Wabi Sabi Pops Up Online
TikTok users love to meme the hell out of trends, and wabi sabi is no exception. Here are some of the funniest ways it shows up:
1. Wabi Sabi Selfies
Someone posts a pic with tangled hair, glasses askew, and a half-eaten snack in hand, captioned:
“Wabi sabi queen, embracing the chaos 😂”
2. Cooking Disasters
A TikTok shows a burnt toast that somehow tastes great, with the caption:
“Chef’s kiss! Wabi sabi cooking skills 🔥”
3. Pet wabi sabi
Pets doing goofy things, like a dog with one ear flipped or a cat napping in a weird position, are tagged as:
“Wabi sabi energy only 🐾”
4. Zoom Call Reality
A clip of someone on a video call with messy background and half their face lit, with the caption:
“This is the real wabi sabi aesthetic of working from home 😅”
Even the occasional typo-laden texts and memes get labeled “wabi sabi,” celebrating the perfectly imperfect way people communicate online.
Quick Chat Example
You: “Hey, check out my room makeover!”
Friend: “OMG that’s giving total wabi sabi vibes, lowkey love the clutter 😂”
You: “Exactly! Flaws are the new goals.”
See? It’s casual, warm, and just a little quirky.
Wrapping Up
So next time you wonder, “what does wabi sabi mean on TikTok?” remember—it’s all about celebrating the beautifully imperfect parts of life. It’s less about filters and more about feelings; less about flawless and more about feelings that are real, cozy, and a little weird. Whether it’s a messy bun, that one crooked painting on your wall, or a plate of slightly burnt pancakes, wabi sabi is your permission slip to enjoy life’s imperfections and laugh along the way. ✨
