The term “girl dinner” has just been added to Dictionary.com, confirming that it’s here to stay. The phrase, popularized by a TikTok trend, is part of a list of new words and terms announced recently. It’s a term inspired by internet culture and now has an official definition.
So, what exactly is “girl dinner”? Dictionary.com defines it as a “collection of snacks that are attractively presented with little preparation.” Examples include small servings of cold cuts, cheese, fruit, and cherry tomatoes. But how did this trend start? Let’s dive into the details.
What is ‘Girl Dinner’ Exactly?
The term “girl dinner” first appeared on TikTok in May 2023. Olivia Maher, the creator of the viral trend, posted a video showing her snack-style dinner consisting of cheeses, bread, grapes, and cornichons. The video quickly went viral, with users recreating their versions under the hashtag #GirlDinner. This trend has even inspired a catchy musical jingle used in over 428,000 TikTok videos.
However, while Maher’s original video was lighthearted, some critics have raised concerns about the potentially harmful impact of the “girl dinner” trend, with some viewing it as a gateway to unhealthy eating habits.
Maher, on the other hand, insists that her creation was never meant to promote food restriction. Instead, she explains, “girl dinner” is about enjoying what you love to eat and savoring every bite. For her, it’s all about satisfying cravings and appreciating the food you’re eating.
The Origin of the Trend
The concept of “girl dinner” came about when Maher found herself “nibbling on bits from my fridge” one day. She realized this was something many people do in private, without thinking twice. “It’s just something that we’ve done without realizing, and we’ve just been doing it alone at home,” she says.
Maher added that the solo dining experience is a key part of the “girl dinner” concept. When her boyfriend is out, she prefers to eat a light meal from whatever she can find in the fridge rather than preparing a full dinner. She refers to it as “hunting and gathering” from her kitchen, making the experience quick and low-effort.
Why Did ‘Girl Dinner’ Go Viral?
“Girl dinner” gained popularity because it offered a quick and easy option for solo diners. Maher says it also removes the pressure of having to prepare a large, complicated meal. “You eat what you want and what you need, and that’s enough,” she explains.
Brenna O’Malley, a registered dietitian, agrees with Maher’s view. She points out that the trend has appealed to people because it breaks the traditional idea that meals must be elaborate. “It’s a way to have different tastes and textures on a plate,” O’Malley says. “You can have something crunchy, something sweet, something savory—all on one plate.”
However, some critics have questioned whether these small servings are enough to make a complete meal. There’s concern that the “girl dinner” could reinforce unhealthy eating patterns, especially for those who may already struggle with food-related issues.
The Controversy Around ‘Girl Dinner’
The biggest concern around “girl dinner” is its potential to promote restrictive eating. Some experts worry that the small portions could be seen as promoting unhealthy dieting habits or could lead people to glorify eating disorders. The trend’s critics argue that it plays into diet culture, where women feel pressured to control their portion sizes, leading to a cycle of food restriction.
O’Malley highlights that food trends like “girl dinner” can be problematic. “When people see others eating small portions, it may feel like they have to eat less too,” she says. “And that can lead to unhealthy comparisons and feelings of inadequacy.”
While some creators have intended the trend as a form of humor, others have found it problematic. The notion of small meals being equated to “girl dinner” could send the wrong message, particularly when people struggle with food choices and body image issues.
Maher herself was surprised by the negative feedback, especially the criticism that “girl dinner” was a form of diet culture. She explains that she didn’t mean to harm anyone but wanted to create a fun and celebratory food experience for people to enjoy.
Maher’s Stand on ‘Girl Dinner’
Despite the backlash, Maher maintains that the “girl dinner” is about enjoying food in a way that feels satisfying and fulfilling. She emphasizes that it’s an individual experience and is not meant to encourage unhealthy eating. The meal can be a simple, joyful experience—eating what feels good in the moment.
Maher also points out that the food shared in these TikTok videos doesn’t represent someone’s entire eating habits. “You don’t know what someone else’s day has been like,” she says. “Maybe they had a big lunch and now just want a light snack. Or maybe they’re eating lighter that day, and that’s okay.”
For Maher, the main takeaway from “girl dinner” is the importance of celebrating food and taking pleasure in eating. She hopes people will use the trend as a way to connect with food in a positive, non-judgmental way.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please visit the National Eating Disorders website at nationaleatingdisorders.org for more support and resources.
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