The ‘Young Hoes’ Trend: Gen Z, Feminism and the Performance of Incompetence

A recent trend on social media, popularized by the hashtag #younghos, has sparked debate about Gen Z’s approach to life, feminism, and the normalization of self-deprecating humor. Originating from an X (formerly Twitter) post in November 2025, the trend involves young women sharing “life hacks” that often embrace a deliberately chaotic and inefficient lifestyle. While proponents view it as a lighthearted expression of self-acceptance, critics argue it perpetuates negative stereotypes and undermines feminist progress.

The Rise of the “Young Ho”

The term “young ho” initially surfaced on X in November 2025, with a post stating, “young hoes cook everything on high.” This sentiment resonated widely, quickly gaining traction on TikTok and other platforms. Users began sharing videos showcasing their willingness to embrace shortcuts and prioritize ease over perfection. Examples include eating hot chips for breakfast, throwing away dishes they don’t feel like washing, and admitting to napping during work breaks.

Empowerment or Self-Sabotage?

Cosmopolitan magazine has framed the movement as an empowering manifestation of modern feminism, celebrating the unconventional choices of young women. However, this interpretation is not universally accepted. Conservative commentator Alex Clark criticized the trend as a “trashy celebration of being incompetent,” arguing it promotes a self-humiliating image of women. Clark suggested the posts convey a message of inadequacy, stating, “It’s like, ‘I’m dumb, I’m young, I don’t know how to secure through life.’”

The Appeal of “Delulu” and Main Character Energy

The trend taps into a broader cultural phenomenon where young people are embracing a “main character energy” – a mindset of prioritizing personal narrative and seeking experiences that feel cinematic, even if they are illogical or detrimental. This aligns with the concept of “delulu,” a Gen Z slang term for delusional, often used to describe optimistically believing in unrealistic outcomes. The desire for compelling “plot points” can outweigh rational decision-making, leading individuals to pursue experiences “for the plot,” even if they anticipate negative consequences, as highlighted in a September 2025 Cosmopolitan article exploring this phenomenon.

The Leverage of “Hoe” and its Implications

Inez Stepman, a senior policy and legal analyst at the Independent Women’s Forum, noted that while participants may not intend to use “hoe” in a derogatory way, the term itself carries negative connotations. She expressed concern that the trend, while perhaps not intentionally harmful, is “not a good thing.”

Loneliness and Performative Maturity

The trend also intersects with broader discussions about Gen Z’s experiences with loneliness and the pressure to appear mature. A December 2025 article in Cosmo.ph explored the concept of “performative maturity,” suggesting that some young people may be adopting behaviors that appear sophisticated as a way to cope with underlying insecurities. This could contribute to the appeal of the “young ho” trend, as it allows individuals to playfully subvert expectations and embrace imperfection.

Looking Ahead

The “young ho” trend reflects a complex interplay of factors within Gen Z culture, including a desire for self-expression, a rejection of traditional norms, and a fascination with creating compelling personal narratives. Whether it represents a genuine form of empowerment or a problematic embrace of incompetence remains a subject of debate. As the trend evolves, it will be crucial to continue examining its impact on young women and its broader implications for feminist discourse.