The internet has been buzzing with the ‘rat girl summer’ and ‘hot rodent’ trends, which have gained significant popularity on platforms such as TikTok. ‘Rat girl summer’, coined by Lola Kolade, encourages embracing carefree and whimsical behaviour inspired by the energy of rodents. Participants are encouraged to go outside, enjoy food without guilt, kill their inner cringe, and make impulsive decisions, reflecting a playful and spontaneous lifestyle.
Simultaneously, the ‘hot rodent’ trend, describing actors such as Timothée Chalamet and Josh O’Connor, aims to celebrate less conventional, more relatable physical features, moving away from narrow Western beauty standards. The trend has been praised for its efforts to broaden the attractiveness spectrum, challenging restrictive beauty standards and offering a more diverse representation of what is considered appealing. The fashion aspect of the trend, thrifting and finding unique vintage clothing items —encourages a playful approach to style, embodying the resourcefulness and creativity associated with the ‘sexy rat’ aesthetic.
Both trends reflect a cultural shift towards inclusivity and celebrating diverse looks. So, what is its Irish equivalent? After much consideration (at least half an hour), I came up with ‘wet mat summer’. Unlike ‘hot rat’, this not about getting out of the house.
It’s about looking out the window while you make the best of your indoor dry surroundings. There are five ma.