What Does The Arm Thing On TikTok Mean

It takes some time to catch up with the latest TikTok trends. Every month, something new dazzles your mind and confuses you again.

The TikTok arm gesture is another cryptic trend going viral around the globe. So, what is the arm thing on TikTok, and what does it mean when people point to their arms?

TikTokers are creating videos by putting two fingers on their arms, perhaps pointing their veins or checking their pulse. It’s called the arm thing on TikTok. We want to know its cryptic meaning. It might be related to the true self, speaking the truth, or basketball. Nobody can say anything confidently.

The new TikTok trends flood our timelines with mind-blowing content. So naturally, we all love spending our leisure time with them. Gen Z especially goes crazy with the trends. This article covers– “what does the hand on the arm mean” and its origins. You’ll grab the true meaning after reading it.

What Is The Arm Thing On TikTok

The arm thing is a new TikTok pose going viral on the platform, and people are crazy about it.

A creator following the trend puts an explanation text, places the index and middle fingers on the arm, and looks straight into the camera. The most used background music for this trend is Hayloft by Mother Mother. They only add text and don’t lip-sync or talk about anything.

The gesture means something meaningful. It’s not only a dance move or funny pose.

TikTok users following this trend are exposing themselves. After noticing their explanation text, you’ll find they usually share personal information about themselves that nobody knows. Sometimes, they confess something that can embarrass anyone.

In one TikTok video, I saw a girl walking around with a god complex, and suddenly, she put two fingers on her arm. I remember the video caption revealing something about her inferiority complex.

Thus, this content creator revealed her true nature, which is unknown to many people, using the arm gesture on TikTok.

Till now, we understood the context of using the arm thing on TikTok. It’s time to know– “what does the arm thing on TikTok mean?”

What Does The Arm Thing Mean On TikTok?

It is believed that the arm gesture on TikTok unveils the absolute truth of a content creator to the viewers who watch the video.

The arm thing means that TikTok, by uploading the video, is honest with its audience and dares to accept the truth by sharing personal situations or things.

Different people will tell you different meanings behind it. It depends on who’s explaining the meaning to you.

It commonly indicates that the heart rate increases while telling the truth or revealing personal information to the audience.

The arm thing trend falls under the built-different trend, where creators reveal their specific characteristics to prove themselves exceptional.

Nowadays, people are following the arm trend to make fun of personal situations or things they are dealing with.

Thus, creators can follow the “two fingers on an arm” trend to reveal themselves. You can add exaggeration, irony, and fun ways to create your TikToks.

On TikTok, “the arm thing” can refer to several gestures or movements depending on the context. Here are all the possible meanings or trends associated with it:

Flexing the Arm (Power Pose or Confidence Gesture)

• Description: A person flexes their bicep or crosses one arm over the chest while raising the other.
• Meaning: This gesture often expresses confidence, strength, or empowerment. It is typically done playfully to show off an achievement, talent, or even humor.
• Example: A TikTok user might do this after revealing something they’re proud of, like finishing a workout or acing an exam.

The “It’s Corn” Trend

• Description: In this trend, users often flex their arms to mimic how the boy from the viral “It’s Corn” video describes his love for corn.
• Meaning: The arm flex here is a fun gesture to represent enthusiasm or love for something, often paired with the soundtrack “It’s Corn.”
• Example: A user might flex their arm while showing their favorite snack, using the sound from the “It’s Corn” video.

The Griddy Dance

• Description: In the “Griddy” dance, one arm crosses in front of the body while the user hops forward. The arm movement mimics a confident or proud strut.
• Meaning: This dance move is popular in sports, and TikTokers use it to express excitement, joy, or hype.
• Example: A TikToker might perform the Griddy after achieving a personal milestone, making the arm-crossing gesture part of the celebratory routine.

The “Flexing” Gesture (Playful or Irony)

• Description: Sometimes, TikTokers flex their arm to imitate a strong pose, but in a humorous or ironic way.
• Meaning: This can be a parody of people showing off strength, or it could be used sarcastically to mock someone pretending to be tough.
• Example: A person might flex their arm but immediately show they are struggling with something lightweight, making the move part of a joke.

The “I Understood the Assignment” Trend

• Description: TikTokers often do a confident arm-crossing gesture while showing how well they’ve performed a task.
• Meaning: This is typically part of the “I understood the assignment” trend, showing pride or satisfaction in achieving something exceptionally well.
• Example: Someone could perform the gesture while showing an impressive makeover, school project, or skill.

Cultural or Meme Gestures

• Description: Sometimes, the arm gesture is used in memes where people mimic characters, athletes, or celebrities who naturally do power poses.
• Meaning: This depends on the meme, but it usually symbolizes copying a confident figure for comedic effect.
• Example: People might imitate wrestlers or bodybuilders, exaggerating the arm-flex gesture to make the video humorous.

The “Shhh” Arm Gesture

• Description: Another variation could be placing one finger over the lips (as in “shushing”) while crossing an arm over the chest.
• Meaning: This is used when someone wants to signal secrecy, silence, or an “insider” moment, often in funny or surprising contexts.
• Example: A TikToker might use this gesture in a video when revealing a “secret” about their life.

The “Whoa” Dance Move

• Description: The “Whoa” involves a sharp arm movement, where someone throws one arm up while quickly retracting the other. It’s a quick, dynamic motion that is often part of a dance sequence.
• Meaning: This move is used to accentuate the beat drop in a song, often signaling excitement, surprise, or a hype moment in the video.
• Example: A TikToker might hit the “Whoa” right as a beat drops, making it the climactic moment of the dance or challenge.

The “Hit Dem Folks” Move

• Description: This dance move involves crossing arms while hitting an upward motion with one arm, then retracting them quickly.
• Meaning: It’s often used in dance challenges to punctuate a specific beat in a song or show off a cool move.
• Example: A TikToker might use this arm-crossing move during a dance challenge or to show off their rhythm in sync with a popular song.

The Arm Wave (Body Wave)

• Description: The arm wave is a fluid dance movement where a person moves their arms like a wave, making it look like the motion flows through their body.
• Meaning: It’s used in dance routines, especially in slower songs or when showcasing dance skills.
• Example: A TikTok dancer might smoothly wave their arm in a seamless, liquid-like motion, part of a choreography that highlights their dancing talent.

The “Dap” Gesture

• Description: The “dap” is a fist-bump gesture that involves extending the arm and retracting it in quick succession, often as part of a handshake or casual greeting between friends.
• Meaning: It symbolizes camaraderie, acknowledgment, or respect, often used in TikTok videos between friends or in reaction to something cool or impressive.
• Example: After a funny or successful moment in a video, two TikTokers might give each other a “dap” with the arm gesture to celebrate.

Superman Gesture

• Description: Extending one arm forward as if mimicking the flight of Superman is another version of the “arm thing.” People use this gesture to signal strength or heroism.
• Meaning: It’s often used to convey empowerment or a playful sense of being a “hero” in the moment.
• Example: A TikToker might extend their arm like Superman after showing they’ve completed a difficult task, giving a humorous or proud ending to the video.

The “Devious Lick” Arm Gesture

• Description: During the viral “Devious Lick” trend, some TikTokers use sneaky or sly arm movements to symbolize stealth or secrecy.
• Meaning: The arm gesture here is typically associated with the humor of pulling off a mischievous act, often exaggerating the idea of “getting away with something.”
• Example: A person might cross their arms or use exaggerated sneaky motions as they reveal something stolen or taken as part of the trend, playing up the humor.

Pointing Arm Gesture

• Description: Users often extend their arms and point offscreen or toward something in the frame.
• Meaning: This is used to direct attention to a particular subject, text, or visual element in the video. It’s a common trend in reaction videos or storytelling TikToks.
• Example: A user might point at captions or images appearing in the video to emphasize their message or joke, using the arm gesture as a guide.

Slow-Motion Arm Extension

• Description: TikTokers sometimes use slow-motion effects to make an arm extension look dramatic, often exaggerating the moment.
• Meaning: The slow-motion arm gesture creates an epic or exaggerated effect, often adding humor or intensity to a video.
• Example: A person might extend their arm slowly toward something or someone, using slow-mo to dramatize the moment, such as handing something important to someone else.

The “Zig-Zag” Arm Move

• Description: The arms move in a zig-zag or robotic fashion, often as part of a dance trend or robotic-style dance sequence.
• Meaning: This move creates a visual effect of precision or mimics robotic movements in dance.
• Example: A TikTok user might incorporate this arm move in a dance routine that aligns with the beat of a techno or electronic song.

Anime or Pop Culture References

• Description: Some TikTokers use arm gestures that mimic famous poses from anime, movies, or TV shows.
• Meaning: These arm movements usually refer to specific characters, poses, or powers, often paying homage to a favorite fandom or pop culture moment.
• Example: A user might strike a pose similar to an anime character charging up their power, or they might mimic a superhero’s iconic arm gesture as a playful nod to fans.

Who Used The Arm Thing For The First Time?

The arm thing pose is identical to basketball player D’Angelo Russell’s “ice in the veins” pose. In this pose, he tapped his forearm after scoring a clutch shot. In basketball, it means nerves of steel. So, you can say someone is ice-blooded and cool-headed.

TikTok’s “gesture” meaning is entirely different from the basketball context. Earlier, we explained, “What does the arm thing on TikTok mean?” So, enjoy TikTok and follow the latest trends.

Conclusion

Each version of “the arm thing” gains meaning based on the sound, meme, or challenge it is paired with, so the context matters when interpreting what the gesture symbolizes on TikTok!

Most TikTok audiences cannot grab the actual sense of creating videos but enjoy the hilarious content flooded on their timeline.

New trends may be unclear to someone, but they gain huge popularity among Gen Z. So, stop overthinking why creators posted such content. Enjoy it.

Frequently Asked Questions