“What aesthetic is this?” a commenter asks on a TikTok video of a person walking outside. “Walking outside” comes the response. The original commenter replies with a polite “Thank you!”—presumably before stepping outside to embark on a new aesthetic journey. Perhaps this exchange can be pinpointed as the moment when the word “aesthetic” stopped meaning anything. “Aesthetic” does have a meaning, however. It refers to the study of beauty or a set of principles relating to an artist or movement. TikTok is not solely responsible for its more recent bastardization. That began with Tumblr, where online subcultures like “pastel goth” and “Lolita” dominated the early 2010s. The word brought together all the different aspects of a person’s real-life style, from their bedroom down to their socks, and melded them into one easy-to-describe vibe. Sometimes it This story is from Kinfolk Issue Fifty-One Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 51 Emily Gernild The Danish painter breathing new life into an old medium. Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables. Arts & Culture Design Issue 51 How to Make a Chair And do it on a tiny budget. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Odd Jobs The comedian with strong opinions about your home décor. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Tall Order The hidden depths of height. Arts & Culture Films Issue 51 Vicky Krieps An interview with the actor.
Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables.
