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TikTok explains that this simple gesture involving wearing a cowboy hat makes a big statement. Here's what the cowboy hat rule means.
Oct. 7 2022, Published 6:44 p.m. ET
Forget texting winky faces. These days, if you're interested in someone, show them with your headgear.
TikTok cannot stop talking about what is being called the cowboy hat rule. Not familiar with it? Don't worry, we got the deets below.
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The cowboy hat rule is an indirect way of implying that you want to sleep with someone.
TikTok is saturated with videos referencing the cowboy hat rule. According to very prestigious sources like Urban Dictionary and Twitter, the cowboy hat rule means this: If you take someone's cowboy hat and put it on your head, then you're supposed to "ride the cowboy, " which means have sex with them.
It's basically the R-rated version of when a guy puts his arm around a girl, implying that he likes her.
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Why is this a thing? The exact origins of the rule are unknown. But already, it's making its way into literature. TikTok user @readwithyourgurltaayyy found it referenced in the book Flawless by Elise Silver, which was released in June 2022. "You wear the cowboy hat, you ride the cowboy," she quoted from the romance novel.
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And while it may be fun to try on a guy's cowboy hat on at the bar or during a night out, the person taking the hat should be completely serious about "riding the cowboy." No joke. Because generally speaking, taking a cowboy's hat off their head can be seen as disrespectful.
Per Pinto Ranch, "One of the most significant cowboy hat rules is don't touch or steal a cowboy's hat. Ever. A cowboy hat is not only an expensive item, but a personal one as well."
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What does flicking your cowboy hat mean?
Before the cowboy hat rule gained traction, another hat-specific gesture raised questions on the platform: Men — many of whom donned cowboy hats— were seen flicking the brim of their hats in videos.
Of course, because TikTok seems to make a *thing* out of everything these days, users wanted to know the reason behind the motion. But apparently, it wasn't as clear as the cowboy hat rule and could mean a few things. The most innocent meaning was that a hat flick was just another way of saying hi.
However, other users made claims that flicking the brim of your hat could be viewed as racist. One user, who grew up on a sheep farm, also shared their family's unique (and somewhat disturbing) definition of what the hat flick meant. Whenever a customer flicked the brim of his hat after purchasing a sheep, it meant that they planned to have sex with the sheep.
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@kylepatrick17 The real hat flick @ashtonsteinike #country #cowboy #hatflick #fyp #foryou
♬ original sound - Kyle Patrick
Bottom line: Cowboy hats are serious business. If you own one, make sure to brush up on the proper etiquette. And if you don't own one, but are single and looking for a partner, make sure you're serious about what you're doing before you start trying others' hats on.
As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of social media trends and cultural phenomena, I can confidently affirm my expertise in deciphering and explaining the nuances behind viral movements. The article you provided, discussing the TikTok phenomenon known as the "cowboy hat rule," falls perfectly within my domain of knowledge. Allow me to dissect the concepts involved in this intriguing social trend.
The cowboy hat rule has become a focal point on TikTok, with users creating videos and discussions around its meaning. The basic premise of the cowboy hat rule is an indirect way of expressing romantic or sexual interest in someone. The act involves taking someone's cowboy hat and putting it on your own head, symbolizing the desire to "ride the cowboy," which essentially means engaging in sexual activity with that person.
This trend has gained significant attention on platforms like TikTok, drawing references from sources such as Urban Dictionary and Twitter to elucidate its meaning. Users on TikTok share videos showcasing this gesture and its implied connotations. Notably, the cowboy hat rule has transcended the realm of social media and found its way into literature, as evidenced by its mention in the book "Flawless" by Elise Silver, published in June 2022.
The origin of the cowboy hat rule remains unclear, adding an element of mystery to its popularity. Despite the playful nature of trying on a cowboy hat, the article emphasizes the importance of being serious about the implied intentions, as taking a cowboy's hat off can be perceived as disrespectful. Pinto Ranch, a source cited in the article, highlights the significance of not touching or stealing a cowboy's hat, considering it not only an expensive item but a personal one as well.
Furthermore, the article touches upon another hat-related gesture—the flicking of the brim of a cowboy hat. Before the cowboy hat rule gained prominence, videos surfaced on TikTok featuring men flicking the brim of their hats, leading to speculation about its meaning. While some interpreted it as a casual way of saying hi, others suggested more controversial interpretations, including potential racial implications. The article also includes a peculiar anecdote about a family's unique interpretation of hat flicking involving sheep.
In conclusion, the cowboy hat rule and related gestures on TikTok illustrate how seemingly innocuous actions can take on new meanings in the realm of social media, adding layers of complexity to modern interactions and communication. The article serves as a testament to the evolving nature of online trends and the need for individuals to navigate these phenomena with awareness and understanding.
