Okay, so I’ve been seeing the word “aesthetic” thrown around everywhere lately, and honestly, it’s been bugging me. It feels like people are using it wrong, like, all the time. So, I decided to do a little digging and figure out what’s going on.
My Deep Dive into “Aesthetic”
First, I went straight to the dictionary. You know, the good old Merriam-Webster. I wanted to get the actual, proper definition nailed down. Turns out, “aesthetic” has a couple of meanings. It can be about the philosophy of beauty and art, or it can just describe something that’s pleasing to look at. Okay, cool, I got that.
Then, I started browsing social media – Instagram, TikTok, even Pinterest. I typed “aesthetic” into the search bar and… wow. Just, wow. I saw everything from “cottagecore aesthetic” to “dark academia aesthetic” to “vaporwave aesthetic.” It was a whole world of different styles and vibes, all labeled as “aesthetic.”
And that’s where I think the confusion comes in. People seem to be using “aesthetic” as a synonym for “style” or “vibe.” Like, “Oh, I love your outfit, it’s so aesthetic!” Or, “This coffee shop has such a cozy aesthetic.”
- It is not wrong.
- It can be, it is fine.
- That isn’t technically what the word means.
I think what’s happening is that the word has evolved. Language does that, right? It changes and adapts over time. And “aesthetic” seems to have become shorthand for a specific, curated look or feel.
I also read a couple of articles online about the “misuse” of aesthetic, and it seems like I’m not the only one who’s noticed this. Some people are really passionate about preserving the original meaning of the word, while others are more accepting of the new usage.
So, I guess, I realized that people use it for different ways, no matter right or wrong way.
I’m still a little torn. Part of me wants to be a purist and stick to the dictionary definition. But the other part of me recognizes that language is fluid, and maybe it’s okay that “aesthetic” has taken on this new meaning. I’m still going to try to use it correctly myself, but I’m not going to be the word police and correct everyone else. I guess it’s just something to be aware of.
My small experienment is done!
