If there’s one thing that never ceases to exist on the internet, it’s self-promotion — whether it manifests as overt bragging, subtle humble-brags, seeking validation, or showcasing oneself in more understated manners. Social media sites flourish because of this behavior. Indeed, much of Instagram’s ascent to fame was significantly driven by users posting curated glimpses into their lives. Presently, TikTok is carrying on this trend with its newest viral phenomenon.

What’s the latest sensation on TikTok? Participants are revealing their “holy f-ing airballs.” If that phrase has you puzzled, you’re not the only one. It’s an eccentric term, but the idea is straightforward: 1) disclose something about your life, 2) emphasize someone’s erroneous belief regarding it, and 3) tag that belief as a “holy f-ing airball.” (For those not in the know of sports terminology, an “airball” refers to a basketball attempt that completely misses everything — no net, no backboard, just air.)

This trend focuses on subverting expectations. For instance, a person might state, “You thought I jog 5Ks for leisure? Surprise — I’m actually a competitive marathon runner.” It cleverly transforms a misconception into a powerful moment. Numerous posts engage with political or social stereotypes, frequently reversing them or astonishing viewers with unforeseen realities.

Here are some notable examples from TikTok:

It’s no wonder this trend is gaining traction. It merges three elements the internet adores: personal narratives, surprising turns, and a classic brag. So, don’t be astonished when your feed is inundated with more “holy f-ing airballs” in the days ahead.