Time and again, social media platforms are the birthplace of trending terms, such as the „Burnt Toast Theory,“ which is supposed to provide more optimism and inventiveness in relation to individual everyday problems. Using a small mishap – namely a burnt slice of toast for the morning breakfast – the idea is to prove that you can still make something beautiful out of it. And so the literally burnt toast is elaborately styled and provided with pretty patterns so that it can potentially still be eaten or at least viewed as a small work of art.
In this way, the „Burnt Toast Theory“ is supposed to teach people to make the best of even bad situations and not let small mishaps ruin their day. But, what it has to do with the so-called „Burnt Toast Theory“ now in particular and where the term comes from, and/or where this is to be found in the everyday life everywhere, over it the reader in the now following article more detailed information is supplied.
Definition of the term „Burnt Toast Theory“
„Burnt Toast Theory“ is a three-part term composed of the adjective „burnt“, and the nouns „toast“ and „theory“. If you combine these three words and translate them into German, the result would be something like „the theory of the burnt slice of toast“. This refers to the morning slice of toast that stayed in the toaster too long and therefore burned. Toast is a popular ingredient for preparing breakfast. For this purpose, toast is placed in a toaster, toasted and then topped with cheese, sausage or other ingredients. However, if the toast burns in the toaster, it is considered an annoying mishap, as the slice of toast can now (and should!) no longer be eaten. However, if you scrape away the burnt bits or shape them into little works of art with the tip of a knife, the mishap turns into a joyful situation.
Origin and meaning of the „Burnt Toast Theory“
The „Burnt Toast Theory“ is a classic social media trend that probably originated on the TikTok platform in early 2023. Here, a user had a mishap in which his or her slice of toast burned in the toaster. Instead of getting angry and throwing the slice of toast in the trash, the user took his knife and carved little emojis into the toast. In this way, the user turned the burnt toast into a small work of art. On top of that, the user removed the burnt parts and was finally able to eat the toast.
At the core of the „Burnt Toast Theory“ is the idea that everyday difficulties and failures should be met with serenity and creativity. The idea behind this is that life is „part of a bigger plan“ and that one should instead be more accepting, or rather accepting of things.
Use of the phrase „Burnt Toast Theory“
After its emergence in early 2023, the term „Burnt Toast Theory“ went viral and since then we have encountered it in many, different areas of life. The following areas have particularly stood out:
- Social Media
- Esoterica
- Everyday language
The subsections below will therefore look again specifically at the use of the phrase „Burnt Toast Theory“ in these three areas.
Social media platform TikTok
On social media, the „Burnt Toast Theory“ is currently a popular challenge on the platform TikTok. There, users encourage each other to post short videos or pictures of their little works of art – namely, burnt slices of toast. To do this, the toast slices are often deliberately placed in the toaster for too long and then embellished with knife tips or other kitchen utensils. Especially popular are patterns of animals or emojis, which are inserted into the burnt toast slices.
Esoteric
The „Burnt Toast Theory“ has sometimes also arrived in esotericism and meets with plenty of approval there. After all, it is a wisdom to make the best of his life. For this, the external circumstances should be taken as they come. Because the „Burnt Toast Theory“ stands above all for optimism, inventiveness and, not least, positive emotions. Therefore the „Burnt Toast Theory“ develops increasingly also to a wisdom preached in the esotericism, and/or to a popular life concept.
Spoken everyday language
After the „Burnt Toast Theory“ spread virally on social media, it naturally also found its way into spoken everyday language. Thus, the expression is now frequently used in conversations among young people as well as users of social media platforms. Meanwhile, science and behavioral research are also interested in this term and the concept behind it, which is why the use of „Burnt Toast Theory“ will increase significantly in the coming months and years.
Social Classification of „Burnt Toast Theory“
In social terms, the term „Burnt Toast Theory“ can currently still be used primarily for younger target groups, such as Generations Y, Z and Alpha. These are the preferred users of the social media platform TikTok. However, the term is now also understood by older people as well as esotericists and scientists. What is particularly interesting here is that the curve of the comprehensibility of the term is increasing more and more.
Critical view of the „Burnt Toast Theory“
Although the „Burnt Toast Theory“ is an everyday phenomenon that was discovered purely by chance, there are many critics who strongly doubt the meaningfulness of the concept behind it. The criticism is that a succinct slice of toast should never be emblematic of one’s entire life. Many critics also see the „Burnt Toast Theory“ as nothing more than a broad, clumsy TikTok trend.
Conclusion on the „Burnt Toast Theory“ and other terms from this context
In summary, the „Burnt Toast Theory“ can be described as a new TikTok trend that is currently spreading virally and has meanwhile also arrived in esotericism as well as science. A mishap in everyday life is used to show that life can be made much easier with optimism and creativity. In addition, the „Burnt Toast Theory“ is strongly directed against waste. The „Burnt Toast Theory“ can therefore also be seen as a live hack for individual mental health.
Moreover, the expression „Burnt Toast Theory“ shows parallels to the concepts „improvisation“ and „serendipity“. „Improvisation“ is an ability to resolve an unexpected situation. Serendipity, on the other hand, refers to the ability to recognize positive opportunities and events and to take the best possible advantage of them.