Soft Life
Lifestyle that prioritizes joy and reduces stress
Example
The soft life looks incredibly appealing, but I'm torn because I've been conditioned to be a hard worker my whole life
Agreed. I feel like a slacker whenever I take work off
Related Slang
Soft saving | Saving less money for the future to live more in the present |
Treat yo self | Take care of yourself |
Quiet quitting | Only doing the minimum requirements for a job |
The Great Resignation | People quitting their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic |
Rage applying | Applying to open job positions out of spite for your current job |
Career cushioning | Searching for a new job while employed |
Cyberslacking | Using an employer's Internet for personal activities while working |
TCOY | Take care of yourself |
Retail therapy | Shopping to feel better |
Chillax | Chill and relax |
Gen Zer | A person born between 1997 and 2012 |
Influencer | A social media user who affects others' behaviors |
Hustle culture | An environment that prioritizes working long hours |
Grind culture | An environment that promotes incessant working |
Soft life is a way of living that focuses on experiences that provide joy instead of getting caught up in the "rat race" of accumulating wealth. It has become a lifestyle choice for many Gen Zers, who have propelled it to become a trend on social sites like TikTok.
Living a soft life may manifest differently for different people. For example, some live a soft life that's full of extravagant vacations and material things. While others live a soft life by prioritizing self-care, like regularly seeing a therapist and choosing to take a weekend off instead of working overtime on a work project.
Origin of soft life
The slang term "soft life" originated from the female Nigerian influencer community. Women in this community looked to form a new lifestyle that rejected the struggle of a 24/7 work life and prioritized more joy. It then became a trend on social media in the early 2020s, mainly on TikTok, as many Gen Zers adopted the lifestyle.