Gen Z adopts 'polyester' as new slang term to call out fake and low-quality content

Gen Z has turned "polyester"—traditionally a fast-fashion synthetic fabric—into their latest slang term to critique cheap, fake or low-effort content and inauthenticity online. Originating in video-editing communities to describe low-quality edits, the term has broadened on platforms like TikTok to push back against polished influencer culture in favor of genuine authenticity.