A new TikTok trend dubbed the “deriod” — a portmanteau of “dude” and “period” — has ignited both laughter and outrage. Men across the platform are parodying menstrual cycles with skits about “ballvulating,” “dampons,” and “girth control,” amassing over 8,000 #deriod videos. But beneath the humor lies a fierce debate about empathy, gender dynamics, and who gets to joke about bodily experiences.
What Is the Deriod Trend?
The trend features cisgender men mimicking period symptoms like cramps, mood swings, and cravings. Creators like @thedemonbreunfam and @thatsisaac_ use terms like “dampons” (fake tampons) or “girth control” (parody birth control) in viral sketches. In one video with 2M+ views, Joseph (@thedemonbreunfam) jokes about syncing his “deriod” with his partner’s period. Others, like @8delacruz_j, post GRWM (Get Ready With Me) parodies featuring “deriod mood swings.”
TikTok analytics from July 2024 confirm #deriod content surged 400% in 3 weeks, reflecting algorithm-driven virality. Yet experts warn the trend risks trivializing a near-universal experience for people who menstruate. Dr. Anika Rahman, a gynecologist cited in The Lancet (2023), notes: “Periods involve pain, stigma, and financial strain. When men reduce this to punchlines, it dismisses real struggles.”
Why the Backlash Is Growing
On Reddit and X, critics call the trend “tone-deaf.” A June 2024 thread on r/Feminism exploded with comments like: “I’m tired of men monetizing my pain for clout” and “Try bleeding for a week while hiding it at work.” Many highlight the irony: women’s period-talk often faces censorship (e.g., Instagram removing “menstruation” posts), yet “deriod” jokes thrive.
Content creator Priya Das (@periodeducator) told The Daily Star: “Humor can destigmatize periods, but not when it’s framed as ‘men vs. women.’ Where are the videos donating ‘deriod’ profits to period poverty NGOs?” Data from Plan International (2024) reveals 500M+ people lack menstrual products globally.
Navigating the Empathy Gap
Psychologist Dr. Rezaul Karim (Dhaka University) suggests reframing the trend: “If creators paired jokes with facts — like 1 in 10 women endure endometriosis — it could educate instead of alienate.” Some creators are listening: @bomiiao’s latest deriod skit ends with a link to Period.org.
The deriod trend exposes a digital empathy crisis. While humor bridges gaps, punching down perpetuates harm. Before jumping on the next viral wave, ask: Does this joke uplift or undermine real struggles? Support credible menstrual health initiatives — because empathy shouldn’t be a trend.
Must Know
Q: What does “deriod” mean?
A: “Deriod” blends “dude” and “period.” It’s a TikTok trend where men parody menstrual symptoms like cramps or cravings using terms like “dampons” or “girth control.”
Q: Why is the deriod trend controversial?
A: Critics argue it mocks a biological reality faced by billions while women’s period content faces censorship. It also ignores issues like period poverty, affecting 500M+ people (Plan International, 2024).
Q: Who started the deriod trend?
A: Videos from creators like @thedemonbreunfam and @thatsisaac_ went viral in mid-2024, but no single originator exists.
Q: How can deriod content be more responsible?
A: Experts suggest pairing jokes with education or donations to groups like Period.org. Humor can destigmatize periods if it avoids belittling real experiences.
Sources: TikTok analytics (July 2024), The Lancet (2023), Plan International (2024), r/Feminism thread (June 2024), interview with Dr. Anika Rahman.
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