The slang term acoustic has been thrown around a lot online lately, from TikTok to Twitter, but sometimes the context really doesn't help.

Comments saying that something is 'Acoustic' or asking if a quirky action means that someone is 'Acoustic' can be found on the platforms, without truly explaining what they mean by that. If this term confuses you, then we'll fix that.

What Does 'Acoustic' Mean?

In 2016, 'Acoustic' was found to have two distinct meanings. The first meaning, being used as part of a meme involving a text conversation between two people. In the meme, a picture of a guitar with a child's face morphed to fit the shape is sent, with the accompanying text asking how they would feel if their child was born Acoustic, which can be seen as a play on the other slang term 'Guitarded' to imply mental handicap.

The second meaning behind 'Acoustic' from 2016 was an outright definition on Urban Dictionary which declared that the term is used as another way to say Autistic. The term, however, is not interchangeable with Autistic, as in later years it began to be used to describe any quirky behavior.

How Is 'Acoustic' Used?

'Acoustic' has seen a tremendous spike on TikTok, with people posting different TikTok videos of things they find quirky and asking if it's acoustic behavior. This extends to behavior that isn't connected to Autism at all and doesn't have to be humans doing it, with anything out of the ordinary being labeled Acoustic.

@axlethekitty acting kinda sorta #catsoftiktok ♬ оригинальный звук – Dastan☁️

@omardiarr Replying to @Ismael i love instruments ! #fypシ ♬ Use this sound if you love men – Stress posting rn.

How Do You Use 'Acoustic'?

Using Acoustic in memes can be tricky. Presently, 'Acoustic' can be used easily by just uploading a video of unusual behavior and attaching the word 'Acoustic' to it, either in a caption or directly on the video with text. However, many have begun to push back against the term 'Acoustic' online, claiming that its usage is harmful to the Autism community and makes light of the actual debilitating effects of Autism by making it seem like a funny meme.

@lessshatemorelove #autistic #autism #neurodivergent #meme #memes #fypシ ♬ original sound – audios 💌

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For the full history of acoustic, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's entry for even more information.