The language of the internet can be tricky at times, and terms like ‘mutuals’ and ‘moots’ popping up on TikTok sometimes make it challenging to keep up. TikTok videos asking viewers to find more moots are often posted, and on Twitter, people sometimes ask users to tag their mutuals. While many people are obliging, others might rightly wonder what it means. Love it or hate it, slang is the way of the internet. Depending on how a person uses social media, knowing the terms could be the key to success.
Slang is abundant on TikTok. In 2020, the terms ‘Straight TikTok’ and ‘Alt TikTok’ emerged, referring to the glamorous and weird side of the platform. Then there are also the more well-known terms such as FYP, For You Page, and POV, Point of View. Sometimes the terms are pretty straightforward, and other times, it seems like the words surfaced from the depths of Tartarus.
The term ‘mutuals’ on TikTok essentially is another word for friend. Often on TikTok, it is possible to follow anyone, but not everyone follows you back. When they do, though, they are considered a mutual. In a world where almost everyone is on social media, following another user is an excellent way to show appreciation for their work. Even if they do not know each other in real life, the person may follow them back to show support. Or maybe they are friends in real life and want to promote each other’s endeavors.
What Is A Moot?
There is also another slang word floating around the internet – moots. Often, videos are seen asking for others to be their moot. It has the same meaning, but it’s quicker to type. It’s also amusing to say. While people do use the term moots in conversation, it is more popular as a hashtag. Currently, #moots has 15.9 billion views. The most common videos say something along the lines of, “Use my page to make moots.” Or, “This is your sign to make 99 moots.” Obviously, the term doesn’t have to be used like a cheap sales pitch, but there is a reason for the call to action.
Mutuals are an essential ingredient when trying to beat TikTok’s algorithm. TikTok, like all social media platforms, prioritizes the most engaging posts. Having a lot of mutuals is beneficial as those are the people most likely to interact with the user, which will, hopefully, get the video closer to being added to the FYP. TikTok seems to give bonus points if any of the mutuals interacting are TikTok verified. Feeling confident enough to use TikTok slang now? Give it try.
