Orange Peel Theory (Dating Term)

What Does "Orange Peel Theory" Mean?

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vector image for Orange Peel Theory, showing an orange

The #OrangePeelTheory is a test of your partner's feelings for you. It is a concept that emerged from a viral TikTok trend that consists of a simple test where you ask your partner to bring you an orange. The theory suggests that if your partner brings the orange peeled and ready to eat, it indicates they are thoughtful, caring and probably feel strongly for you. Conversely, if they bring it to you with the rind still on, they may not be as considerate or loving as you hoped. This trend aims to show how much someone loves their partner by how they react to a request for a small favor, such as peeling an orange¹,2.

The trend was popularized by the TikToker @neanotmia and has garnered over 111 million views and 205,000 likes on its hashtag. The Orange Peel Theory reflects a larger category of behaviors, emphasizing everyday acts of tenderness that, although might not catch your attention immediately, collectively offer an insight into your relationship's status. However, despite its popularity, some experts warn that the theory is not a reliable indicator of trust or compatibility.

Check out our comprehensive glossary of dating terms.

References

What is the orange peel theory on TikTok? Viral trend explained - https://www.newsweek.com/orange-peel-theory-tiktok-viral-trend-explained-1767921
The "orange peel theory" is going viral on TikTok - https://www.intheknow.com/post/orange-peel-theory-tiktok/

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When I write Orange Peel Theory, I mean this:

#OrangePeelTheory is a simple test where you ask your partner to bring you an orange.

Summary of Key Points

"Test of Your Partner’s Feelings for You" is the most common definition for Orange Peel Theory on TikTok and in a message (particulary between lovers or on a dating site). Here's more:

Orange Peel Theory
Definition:	Test of Your Partner’s Feelings for You
Type:	Word
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at Orange Peel Theory

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"Orange peel theory" can be considered a "neologism." A neologism is a newly coined word or phrase that has recently come into use or has been created to describe a new concept, idea, or phenomenon. Neologisms can be created in any language and can take different forms, such as:

A new meaning for an existing word (e.g., cloud, viral).
A completely new word (e.g., fomo, selfie).
A new combination of existing words, or words with prefixes or suffixes (e.g., cloutrage, antifragile).

Neologisms are often the result of changes in technology, culture, or social norms, and they can be found in fields such as science, technology, politics, and popular culture. Some neologisms become widely used and enter mainstream vocabulary, while others (such as many that emerge on TikTok!) remain obscure or limited to specific communities or contexts.