What Does Wabi-Sabi Mean on TikTok? All About the Viral Trend

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Plus, learn about the ancient & animated origins of wabi-sabi

Co-authored by Devin McSween Reviewed by Candace Gasper

Last Updated: November 21, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Wabi-Sabi Meaning
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• Wabi-Sabi TikTok Trend
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• Trend Origins
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• What are TikTokers saying about it?
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• Video

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If you’ve been on TikTok recently, you may have seen the wabi-sabi trend, which is the newest viral content taking over the app. But if you’re not exactly sure what the trend is about, or even what wabi-sabi means, we’re here to help! In this article, we’re breaking down the viral trend, including its origins and what TikTokers have to say about it. Keep reading to find out more!

The Wabi-Sabi TikTok Trend

The wabi-sabi TikTok trend is about finding beauty in your “imperfections.” In the TikTok videos, users show off a “flaw” that they love and think makes them unique. The videos use audio from an episode of The King of the Hill that explains the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi (which is where the trend gets its name).

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Section 1 of 4:

What does wabi-sabi mean?

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1. 
   Wabi-sabi is a Japanese term that refers to finding beauty in imperfection. Wabi-sabi is a popular philosophy in Japanese culture that encourages people to accept and appreciate things that are imperfect, incomplete, and temporary. It’s a popular idea that’s reflected in Japanese art and architecture, where the focus is often on recognizing the beauty in simple things and appreciating the forces of nature.
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Section 2 of 4:

What is the wabi-sabi trend on TikTok?

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1. 
   The wabi-sabi trend is all about celebrating your “imperfections” or “flaws.” In November 2025, the concept of wabi-sabi took TikTok by storm, with TikTokers sharing what makes themselves wabi-sabi. The trend involves users showing off things about themselves that might not make them “perfect,” but that they love and make them unique. Ultimately, the trend is a sweet reminder to love yourself and recognize that no one is perfect. There’s definitely beauty in that!

   • Most videos involve the TikTok user highlighting their “flaw” or “imperfection” in a loving way, backed by an audio from The King of the Hill that describes what wabi-sabi is.
   • For example:
     • In this TikTok video by @amara_artspots, she calls her vitiligo “wabi-sabi” and emphasizes how it makes her beautiful.
     • In this video by @shalyna.fortino, she shows off her stretch marks and describes them as “wabi-sabi.”
     • In a video by @naoaalexandra, she describes her crooked teeth as “wabi-sabi” and shares how they’re her favorite feature.
   • The trend doesn’t just have to be about yourself! For instance, this TikTok video by @cowabungacaitlin is about her “wabi-sabi” dog, who loves to turn their head upside down.

Section 3 of 4:

Where did the wabi-sabi TikTok trend come from?

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1. 
   1
   The wabi-sabi trend comes from a clip of King of the Hill. In an episode of the animated show, Hank and Bobby Hill grow roses. Bobby likes that his rose is a little off-center, saying, “It’s got wabi-sabi.” He then explains the concept to Hank. The audio started gaining traction on TikTok in October 2025 when TikTok user @footy.io0 posted a fan edit of the clip from King of the Hill plus a clip of an interview and footage of basketball player Kyrie Irving.

   • In the audio from King of the Hill, Bobby likens wabi-sabi to the crack in the Liberty Bell. He says, “It’s the small imperfections that make you love something even more,” which is what gives something personality.
2. 
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   The wabi-sabi trend was popularized by TikToker @p3rsussy. On November 11, 2025, @p3rsussy posted a video showing off her “imperfect” teeth using the King of the Hill audio. The video got over 10 million views, and people started to use the audio from her video to make their own videos about their wabi-sabi features and traits. Thus, the wabi-sabi trend was born.

   • There are now over 120,000 videos that use @p3rsussy’s audio!
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Section 4 of 4:

What do people think about the wabi-sabi TikTok trend?

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1. 
   While lots of people have embraced the trend, there’s been some backlash. The wabi-sabi trend has been super popular on TikTok, with lots of users embracing the idea. They see their videos as a positive way to accept and celebrate themselves, and inspire others to do the same. That said, some people believe the trend isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.

   • Some users have taken to calling other people wabi-sabi. While they might be well-intentioned, this is seen as a backhanded compliment that’s rude to receive.
   • Other people worry that users will categorize their unhealthy traits or bad behaviors as wabi-sabi, ultimately romanticizing things that should be fixed or changed.
   • Some TikTok users complain that the term has gotten too popular, too fast, and is now just a buzzword that’s lost its true meaning.
   • Other users, like @zacharyhall, note how it’s funny that the wabi-sabi trend is popular at the same time as the “flip the camera around” trend, which is popular for embarrassing unsuspecting strangers. This shows how people respond to “flaws” differently: some celebrate them, while others criticize them.

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