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TikTok’s latest colloquial term ‘swag gap’ refers to couples or partners who have an obvious difference in aesthetic and style choices. Could you be part of a ‘swag gap’ couple?
TikTok has graced us with another new slang term, this time focusing on couples and their outfit choices. Yes, really.
A ‘swag gap’ relationship refers to a partnership in which one person makes significantly more effort to look good than the other. This is usually via an intentional, fashionable outfit choice, rather than slacks or casual wear. As the BBC points out, it’s mostly been used to describe celebrities like Justin and Hailey Bieber, or Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez.
Despite being synonymous with famous people, the term is also being thrown around by TikTokers reflecting on previous relationships and their experiences with ‘swag gaps.’
@realjessicastyles groutfit boyfriend vs got dressed in the dark girlfriend #swaggap #couple #ootd #outfitcheck #boyfriend
As is typical with most social media fad terms, debate is rife, with some saying that couples should be on a similar wavelength in terms of style and self-image, while others argue that differences in life approaches can be healthy.
Interestingly, GQ highlights the differences between men and women when it comes to ‘outfit effort’, with the former usually less likely to dress smartly or keep up appearances due to more relaxed societal expectations. Men turning up to big events or red-carpet openings in tracksuits and grey hoodies could be regarded as a privilege of the patriarchy, all things considered.
@tatianamareti If I’m uninterested it’s not because I think you’re lame it’s because you will not be able to meet my needs creatively #fyp #alternative
A contrast in appearances could also signify deeper divide within a relationship. It might reflect each person’s different priorities, values, or wider mentality toward varying aspects of their partnering. If one is making less effort than the other, it can feel like that person is not respecting the relationship enough or making the effort to nurture their partner’s needs.
By that same token, though, contrasting personalities can often compliment one another when put together. The old saying ‘opposites attract’ has stuck around for a reason; when two people are fundamentally different, they can help the other grow and consider new perspectives and ideas.
@sofiacherny
If we were with someone exactly like ourselves, there wouldn’t be much space for progression – which could be incredibly boring.
In our social media age, it can be tempting to want an ideal or someone that we think ticks every box. In reality, most people are complicated and nuanced, with no two partners ever really being the same. A ‘swag gap’ could simply be indicative of our individuality, and trying to mould our significant other to an idea we think they should be can be incredibly damaging.
As GQ puts it, regarded a ‘swag gap’ as something to always avoid ‘fundamentally misunderstands how human relationships work, and is symptomatic of the very rough state of modern dating.’
