Polyester emerges as new Gen Z slang for inauthentic content

The term ‘polyester’ has emerged as a new slang term used by Gen Z and Gen Alpha to critique content perceived as low-quality, generic, or inauthentic online. According to language trends experts at Preply, global Google searches for ‘polyester slang’ recently spiked by 141%.

Madeline Enos, a language trends expert at Preply, noted that social media users are applying the term to ‘polyester lifestyles,’ videos, and individuals. The usage often draws parallels between the rise of AI-generated creative media and the mass production of synthetic fabrics, suggesting that just as 100% polyester clothing can feel cheap or artificial, certain digital trends and lifestyles feel similarly manufactured.

A recent viral example on TikTok involved a creator describing a dream lifestyle involving NYC penthouses and AI-assisted work, which received significant engagement under the label ‘polyester lifestyle.’