GOBLINCORE, DARK ACAMEMIA: WEIRD TIKTOK TRENDS EXPLAINED
Another day, another aesthetic that came from TikTok and definitely and weirdly enough here to stay..
Goblincore is an aesthetic based on the appreciation of aspects of nature not typically regarded as beautiful. These aspects can range from animals such as frogs and snails to materials such as moss, mud, plants, and fungi such as mushrooms. As a part of this beloved “ugliness” is the Goblin itself, a malevolent thieving creature in European folklore but in Goblincore a carefree representation of one’s infatuation with nature’s “ugliness” and general unpredictability.
Goblincore is popular in the LGBTQ+ community, especially among non-binary, transgender & demigender people. A part of Goblincore is the desire to collect and hoard small, often shiny objects, affectionately named “shinies” by practicing Goblins. Many Goblins are closely involved in adjacent movements such as Cottagecore, and Vulture Culture.
Goblincore fashion can involve any clothing that is suitable for adventure, but most goblincore fans seem to like outfits with several clashing patterns/colors. Lots of the clothing is worn-out, thrifted, or second-hand for a more comfortable feel. Most goblincore fans enjoy getting dirt, so keeping their clothes fresh and clean isn’t a top priority. Cozy Oversized Sweaters, worn-out or customized jeans and overalls, and unique socks are staples in goblincore fashion. These people like to wander around the woods and collect random objects that pique their interest. Since they love nature so much, Earthy colored clothes like Brown or Green fit them the best
Goblins are often seen in dark green or brown clothes. Sometimes, they will also have belts with alchemists pouches or a satchel to store shiny objects.
You may ask what is the difference between cottagecore and goblincore? The answer is that the aesthetics of Cottagecore is inspired by the romanticized western agricultural lifestyle while comparatively, on the other hand, the aesthetics of Goblincore is inspired by the goblins, which are related to the ugliness or dirtiness in connection with nature …
Dark Academia
Dark Academia is a popular (and the original) academic aesthetic that revolves around classic literature, the pursuit of self-discovery, and a general passion for knowledge and learning. It is one of several variations of Academia aesthetic, each with a unique subject focus. Dark Academia is a subculture with a heavy emphasis on reading, writing, learning — and a look best described as traditional-academic-with-a-gothic-edge; think slubby brown cardigans, vintage tweed pants, a worn leather satchel full of a stack of books, dark photos, brooding poetry and skulls lined up next to candles.
Dark Academia’s visuals stem primarily from upper-class European culture of the 19th century, Gothicism, and American Prep. The upper class of this time period emphasized a liberal education in which Latin, rhetoric and classics were taught subjects. These are now seen as unusual and slightly esoteric, creating an allure that presents schooling as not dreary or boring, but one that cultivates mystery, curiosity, and diligence that isn’t commonly seen in contemporary schooling.
Pretentiousness is celebrated within the Dark Academia community. Romanticizing education and moments in life is the core appeal of the aesthetic. Making grandiose statements and wishes for success is a common text post subject.
Other than the appreciation of learning, Dark Academia includes motifs of criminality, danger and mystery. Secret societies, cults and murder are common subjects within the aesthetic. Characters within the works of fiction associated with Dark Academia, specifically The Secret History and Kill Your Darlings, live decadent and self-destructive lifestyles involving drugs, moments of intense violence and secrets.
People who use this aesthetic are usually referred to as Dark Academics. However, using this term in other contexts could potentially cause confusion as the title “academic” typically refers to researchers and professors, while DarkAcademics do not necessarily have recognized credentials.
Source: https://aesthetics.fandom.com/
