What Does ‘mid’ Mean on TikTok?

Although “mid” has been around for a long time, TikTok was only a flash in the pan. Because many slang terms is now often used as a derisive term on the internet, not only in comments but also in songs and other popular forms of expression.

The short-video platform’s slang term “mid” began circulating and is now practically ubiquitous. Videos, captions, and comments sections are all places where you’ll see them. But what exactly does the term “mid” mean?

This slang word is a popular way of indicating that something isn’t good enough. “Used to disparage or belittle an opposing opinion, characterizing it as average or poor quality,” says Urban Dictionary.

Many people use TikTok to show off their talents, so hearing that a video is “mid” is a stinging criticism. To make matters worse, people use this derogatory term in the comments section to criticize each other’s appearance.

This kind of behavior isn’t surprising, so don’t get upset over it. Trolls on TikTok are itching to pounce on your latest hairstyle. You cannot allow the skeptics to win.

However, you can bet plenty of people will be more than happy to tell you how they feel about the situation.

It’s reached the point where people will call their work “mid” to avoid criticism for putting their best foot forward on the internet. As opposed to aiming for the moon and giving everything they’ve got to whatever they’re working on.

1. History of the Word ‘Mid’

   In September 2021, a TikTok audio clip became viral, making the term more widely known. All Elite Wrestling’s Maxwell Jacob Friedman slams the entire American Midwest in a scathing tirade against the Cincinnati crowd in a video clip. He yells into the microphone,

   Because everything in the Midwest is mid, it’s referred to as the Midwest. What’s Skyline Chili, anyway? Mid! Your 1990 World Series champion Cincinnati Reds? Muh-muh-muh-mid! In addition, every person that calls this place home is MID.”

   Though more current definitions of “mid” on Urban Dictionary define it as a more generic slur regarding something’s average standard, meanings from the 2000s and early 2010s most frequently pertain to “mid-grade” cannabis. According to Weedmaps, “Mid or mids is one of the few words for weed that isn’t quite top of the range but isn’t bad either.” Bud, the C-student, is average.” Because mid-grade weed is typically less expensive and of a poor grade than other varieties, mid could be used as an insult, particularly to refer to someone as cheap.

   The majority of definitions about mid-grade weed, on the other hand, are neutral-positive, stating that mid-grade pot still gets the job done.

   It’s uncertain whether TikTok’s use of “mid” is influenced by cannabis slang, although the “mid” mean on TikTok is a little more ambiguous. Perhaps it’s because of the violent disses in the famous AEW clip or the app’s sometimes black-and-white approach to conversation.

In addition to those who want their videos to go viral, many more simply want to express themselves without fear of repercussions on the video-sharing platform. A mid-video, then, does not quite stack up to what the creators were hoping for. 

Here are some examples of the word “mid” being used on TikTok:

1. I just spent two hours on this project, and it’s still not perfect, but I’m going to post it anyway.

   Comments:

   “This is so mid.”

   “Why bother posting something that’s not perfect? You’re just setting yourself up for criticism.”

   “I can’t believe you would show us something that’s so mid. You need to step your game up.”

   “Girl, stop posting this kind of stuff – it’s just so mid! Get some confidence in yourself and try harder next time!”

   “You’re the single person who would find this interesting. The rest of us are just trying not to hurt your feelings by calling it what it is: mid.”

2. I can’t believe she wore that outfit out in public.

   Comments:

   “That’s so mid.”

   “She looks like she just rolled out of bed.”

   “Did she not look in the mirror before leaving the house?”

   “I would die if I left the house looking like that – it’s so mid!”

Many TikTokers review well-known takeaways such as Five Guys, Wendy’s, and Wingstop, referring to them as “mid” as they display the staged aftermath of their fast food, with torn takeout boxes, fries thrown across the table, and empty condiment pots, all while melancholy music plays over the top.

The word “mid” has been used by some TikTok users to protect themselves from blowback from other TikTok users as they share their work with the rest of the globe. Some users take the trend and run with it, irritating other users with their unfinished modifications for comedy effect.