unexpected red theory

English

This English term is a hot word. Its inclusion on Wiktionary is provisional.

Etymology

First attained popularity on the social media platform TikTok in January 2024. Coined by Taylor Migliazzo Simon in early 2024.

Noun

unexpected red theory (uncountable)

1. (social media, design, fashion, neologism) An interior design trend based on the idea that any room will look more attractive if you add one red item or feature to it, especially if the red looks strange or wrong with the other colours in the room. [from 2024]
   • 2024 February 24, Ingrid Fetell Lee, “The science behind the “unexpected red theory””, in The Aesthetics of Joy‎^[1]:

     Of course, the other essential part of the “unexpected red theory” is the unexpected — the element of surprise.