What Does “Zesty” Mean? TikTok Definition, Memes, & Emojis (2024)

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Last Updated: July 17, 2024

TikTok Meanings of Zesty

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   Zesty means someone is fun, energetic, and sexy. It’s often used to describe a person’s appearance or enthusiasm. For example, it could be used to describe a person dancing with a lot of hip movement or wearing a provocative outfit.

   • The word is sometimes used for an unconsciously sexy vibe that makes a situation humorously awkward. This could even refer to a pet sitting in a strange position, a slightly suggestive meme, or a gif of a lizard shaking his bottom.

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   Zesty may also be a derogatory term for “flamboyantly gay.” The slang term has also been used as a word for someone acting in a stereotypically effeminate way. While many people use the term as a joke, it’s seen by some as a hom*ophobic slur or form of bullying that can cause emotional and psychological harm to a person no matter what their gender identity.

   • However, the most popular definition on Urban Dictionary https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=zesty puts a more positive spin on the term, defining it as a compliment meaning “you look snazzy and gay.”
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   Zesty’s dictionary meaning is associated with flavorful food. It’s defined as something having a strong, pleasant, and spicy flavor, as in “a zesty taco.” But, it is also defined as describing something lively and pleasing, like “zesty humor.”^[1]

   • “This is the zestiest spaghetti sauce I’ve ever had!”
   • “That vinaigrette salad dressing is pretty zesty.”
   • “Jennie is fun to hang out with. She has a zesty sense of humor.”
   • “Christopher dropped some zesty sarcasm in that new video he posted.”

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   TikTok videos with the hashtag #zesty first appeared in January 2022. Popular videos using the term have featured athletes dancing with a lot of hip sway, dancing Fortnite characters, and a man getting ready to do a zesty dance being interrupted.

   • According to Urban Dictionary, describing stereotypically gay mannerisms and clothing as “zesty” may pre-date TikTok with an entry dated May 11, 2009.^[2]

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   Say someone is “zesty” when you think they’re fun and sexy. While some use “zesty” as a derogatory term, it doesn’t have to be. Avoid referencing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity and focus on positive traits. It also helps to use an admiring tone or expression.

   • “That dress is amazing, Lisa. It makes you look extra zesty!”
   • “Whoa…you look positively zesty in that tux.”
   • “James has a zesty sense of humor. He made me laugh until I cried.”
   • “Dang, Hannah. That was the zestiest comeback I’ve ever heard.”

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   Use “zesty” in a positive way or say something else. Stick to comments that suggest a person has a vibrant and bold personality. Because of the way some other people use the term, it’s possible some may misunderstand your meaning. If you have any doubts about whether calling someone “zesty” will come off as a slur, find another complimentary slang phrase to use, such as:

   • “Man, you look drippin’ tonight!”
   • “On you, that shirt just hits different.”
   • “You look so snatched right now!”
   • “I have to say, you understood the assignment with that outfit.”

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1. There are several emojis associated with “zesty.” Most play off the idea of something that is hot or spicy and how someone would react to it. People may also use emojis that look like devils to imply a sexy “wickedness.” Here are a few emojis people use to communicate the same idea as the slang term zesty:

   • Hot Face - 🥵
   • Spicy Citrus - 🌶️🍋
   • Fire - 🔥
   • Drooling Face - 🤤
   • Woozy Face - 🥴
   • Smiling Face with Horns - 😈
   • See-No-Evil Monkey - 🙈

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1. An entire language of slang terms has come from TikTok. Many of the words and phrases catch on with users and then spread outside the platform to the general public. Here are a few common terms that have come from TikTok:

   • “Babygirl”: “Babygirl” was originally a term of endearment for women. Recently, it has been used to describe male characters and the actors who play them. A “babygirl” is a soft-spoken man older than 25 who is secure in his masculinity but not intimidating. For example, actors Pedro Pascal and Bill Hader, and performer Park Jimin from BTS are commonly identified as “babygirls.”^[3]
   • “Vibe Check”: A “vibe check” is a way to ask someone what’s going on or how they are feeling. It’s also used by someone to determine if they want to be around a second person. If they want to hang out, the other person passes the “vibe check.” If not, they fail the “vibe check.”
   • “Let Them Cook”: “Let them cook” is used to order others not to interrupt someone who’s doing something they’re good at. It’s often attributed to the rapper Lil B who has used the phrase since around 2010.
   • “Ate”: This term means someone is doing an amazing job at something. It’s used to compliment an outfit or performance but can also be used in other contexts.
   • “Mid”: “Mid” describes something that is mediocre, below average, or low quality. It’s often used as an insult or to challenge the extremely positive opinion of another person. It’s generally not used to describe something that’s really bad.

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