What people on TikTok are really talking about when they say ‘cute winter boots’

Those searching for “cute winter boots” on TikTok at the moment might be a little confused. A recent movement of the same name has nothing to do with footwear. It’s a code phrase being used to discuss resistance to President Trump and his immigration policies while skirting censorship or bans on the platform.

Many users have posted videos talking about their “cute winter boots” but showing warnings or slides of information to their viewers at the same time. Some posts see users discuss details about protests or recent developments, using a notebook or pieces of paper. Meanwhile, the sound over the video is unrelated or uses trending audio in order to avoid videos being flagged.

When TikTok users mention “cute winter boots” protecting people from “ice,” they’re referencing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Nearly 1,000 immigration arrests were carried out on Sunday as Trump’s promise of mass deportations began. ICE officials have since been directed by Trump officials to up the number of people they arrest, from a few hundred per day to at least 1,200 to 1,500. 

Coded language is commonplace on social media

“Cute winter boots” is one example of “algospeak,” a system of coded language designed to bypass algorithmic filters and spread warnings and information about such deportations.

Another example is the phrase “Senator, I’m Singaporean,” a quote ">from TikTok CEO Shou Chew’s response to Senator Tom Cotton during a congressional hearing, where Cotton’s question implied that Chew was a Chinese government agent. Now, TikTok users frequently leave this phrase in comment sections to subtly warn others about potentially sensitive or flagged content in the videos.

The “cute winter boots” trend also exploits the platform’s algorithm, which favors product-focused content, to maximize visibility. Creators often pair their videos with unrelated but highly searchable pop-culture keywords, such as “Taylor Swift” and “Sabrina Carpenter,” to further boost their reach. Some of these videos also link to TikTok Shop, but instead of boots, they offer educational items like Night by Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust memoir, or gear useful for protests, such as protective equipment. 

For those actually on the hunt for cute winter boots, you’re better off searching elsewhere at the moment. 

https://www.fastcompany.com/91267850/cute-winter-boots-tiktok-trend-meaning?partner=rss&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss

Létrehozva 5mo | 2025. jan. 27. 22:20:04


Jelentkezéshez jelentkezzen be

EGYÉB POSTS Ebben a csoportban

Linda Yaccarino was supposed to tame X. Elon Musk wouldn’t let her

Some news stories are gobsmackingly obvious in their importance. Others are complete nonstories. So what to make of the

2025. júl. 9. 19:10:07 | Fast company - tech
Apple’s next CEO: A new look at Tim Cook’s potential successors after latest exec shakeup

Yesterday, Apple unexpectedly announced the most radical shakeup to its C-suite in years. The company revealed that Jeff Williams, its current chief operating officer (COO), will be departing the

2025. júl. 9. 16:40:09 | Fast company - tech
PBS chief Paula Kerger warns public broadcasting could collapse in small communities if Congress strips federal funding

As Congress moves to make massive cuts to public broadcasting this week, Paula Kerger, president and CEO of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), gives an unflinching look at the organization’s f

2025. júl. 9. 14:30:04 | Fast company - tech
These personality types are most likely to cheat using AI

As recent graduates proudly showcase their use of ChatGPT for final projects, some may wonder: What kind of person turns to

2025. júl. 9. 14:30:04 | Fast company - tech
Samsung fixed everything you hated about foldable phones—except the price

Just over a month ago, Samsung did something strange to start hyping up its next foldable phone announcements.

Those phones, which Samsung revealed today, are officially called the Samsu

2025. júl. 9. 14:30:04 | Fast company - tech