I love hearing about what is trending on TikTok. (No, I am not on it but have friends that share.) The latest raging is from Jools Lebron who did a video discussing her make up. She describes her makeup as “very demure, very mindful”. Now people are using the phrase in every context including putting gas in their car. “I am very demure and mindful as I gas my car.” Silly I know but kind of fun.
Jools told CBS News her version of “demure” was a statement of self-awareness and confidence. In her context it was about not wearing too much makeup for her first day on the job.
From my baby boomer context, the word “demure” meant something completely different. The word demure comes from a French term that means “sober, grave, or serious.” Another version was meant to describe a woman as quiet and shy, meaning the old version of a “good” woman who is one that stayed within “her lane”. This context fortunately is gone, gone, gone so the word demure feels out of favor. When was the last time you heard someone use the word? And maybe this is part of the appeal of Jool’s TikTok video to the younger crowd because it is a word they haven’t heard. And what a fun way to use it.
Ok you feisty litigators, you can be a tough advocate for your clients but you can be “demure” in your self-confidence? I know you have it in you. No jerks or bullies. Rather a demure strong fighter. It is a concept that has appeal.