If you’ve noticed your teen posting that they’re “defrosting” on TikTok, don’t worry — this isn’t about food safety or adjusting a chilly attitude (unfortunately). It’s a slang term that’s gone viral this fall, and it perfectly captures how Gen Z is ushering in their favorite cozy-season rituals.
The idea comes from a familiar meme: every November, Mariah Carey is said to “defrost” as her holiday hit All I Want for Christmas Is You makes its annual return to the charts. Teens have taken that concept and run with it, announcing that they’re “defrosting” their own obsessions as soon as the weather turns crisp.
On TikTok, you’ll see “defrosting” attached to clips of beloved fall comfort watches like Gilmore Girls, with its endless coffee cups and small-town coziness, or Twilight’s Bella Swan brooding through the rainy Pacific Northwest. Some teens say they’re defrosting for their annual Harry Potter marathons; others use the term for cozy fall aesthetics in general, from pumpkin spice lattes to chunky knits.
For teens, “defrosting” isn’t just about media — it’s about ritual. Just as pumpkin spice signals the arrival of autumn for many adults, “defrosting” signals that it’s time to return to familiar shows and vibes that feel like a seasonal reset. It’s a way of saying: I’m ready to re-enter my fall comfort zone.
Parents scrolling through TikTok might feel out of the loop, but there’s actually a sweet, relatable sentiment here. Teens are creating their own seasonal traditions, building identity and community around the things they revisit every year.
For families, it can be a great opportunity to connect — whether that means joining your teen for a Gilmore Girls rewatch, swapping favorite cozy movies, or just acknowledging their seasonal “defrost.” Sharing in these rituals can spark low-stakes bonding moments, giving parents a window into their teen’s world without pressure. Even something as simple as asking what they’re “defrosting” this year can open the door to conversation and connection.
And this new language is more than just slang — it’s a seasonal ritual in its own right. Because while Mariah may have Christmas on lock, teens are making it clear: when it comes to fall, they’re the ones setting the soundtrack.
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