How the Rainbow Kiss Trend Resurfaced Online: a Complete Timeline of the Buzz
By Chloe Bennett
The phrase did not originate on modern social networks. Early entries on crowdsourced platforms like Urban Dictionary date the term back to the early 2000s, where shock-slang compilations flourished alongside terms like "cleveland steamer" and "rusty trombone." In 2006, Scottish playwright Simon Farquhar even titled his Royal Court Theatre play Rainbow Kiss, leveraging the phrase's underground notoriety to frame an edgy, dark drama about contemporary urban alienation.
The phrase lay dormant in mainstream culture until the rise of short-form video algorithms. Around 2021, TikTok creators stumbled upon the concept as a formula for viral content: users recorded themselves reading the definition on their phones, hiding the screen while their facial expressions shifted from light amusement to unvarnished horror. The videos carried minimal captions, directing followers to "Google rainbow kiss and stitch this with your reaction."
The trend generated tens of millions of views across repeated cycles in 2022, 2023, and through 2026. The algorithm rewards retention and search referral; by deliberately withholding the definition in the video, creators forced viewers into search engines, triggering search engine spikes that news outlets and digital culture blogs routinely rush to explain.
Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.
