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Gen Z continues its rebranding crusade by adding a little whimsy to the lower-back tat.
While the youth have already overhauled the language for scheduled sloth (bedrotting), low-effort meals (girl dinner), a simple stroll (hot girl walk), and both questionable purchases (doom spending) and financial literacy (moneymaxxing), their latest contribution to the cultural lexicon is a new name for the tramp stamp.
A derogatory term for a tattoo on a woman’s lower back, the “tramp stamp” has now become the “cake topper.”
The Basically Unfiltered podcast teased the name in a TikTok clip earlier this month.
“Did you guys hear what Gen Z is calling a tramp stamp?” host Alisha Marie asked.
The rest of the panel ran through a litany of guesses, including “booty mark,” “sluts arch,” and “gyatt-too.”
Revealing that the first word of the two-word term was “cake,” a euphemism for a– made popular by Joe Jonas, co-host Remi Cruz guessed “cake art.”
Close, but(t) no target.
The true term? Cake topper.
The comments section was divided over whether the moniker was a necessary upgrade or a generational failure.
“I want to bang my head against a wall,” one commenter said.
“It will forever be a tramp stamp; it’s what we did and were,” said a stalwart Millennial named Amanda.
“Why do they need to rename everything? It already has a damn name,” raged another commenter.
“Theirs is less offensive, which tracks with the new generations. Ours is just the reality of who most likely had that tattoo,” responded another.
Many more had their own suggestions for what to call a lowe back tat, including a– antlers, bumper sticker, pick her sticker, Jersey plates, fart art, and welcome mat.
Meanwhile, a recent Threads post celebrated the substitution.
“I’ve heard that Gen Z refers to tramp stamps as cake toppers, and as a millennial, I’m so proud of their contribution. What other negative labels can we switch?” said one.
“I am incredibly susceptible to branding, and the switch from “tramp stamp” to “cake topper” has absolutely convinced me I need one,” added another.
As part of the ongoing Y2K revival, the aforementioned cake toppers have gotten a second life among Zoomers, who are increasingly sporting the style.
One reason for the Y2K resurgence, including cake toppers, is a 20-year cycle often seen in fashion history. Other blasts from the past include Juicy Couture sweat sets, low-rise, bedazzled jeans, chunky belts, baby tees and brand-heavy designs.