Off The Cuff

The ‘Grimace Shake’ has taken over social media: Here’s what’s trending viral

June 28, 2023
Sezarr

Social media trends can grow in the blink of an eye. In recent months, several such trends in the form of challenges – skipping challenge, dating trend, trespassing challenge – have gone viral among users. But now, a purple colored milkshake introduced by fast-food chain McDonald’s has caught the attention of TikTok users. The Grimace Shake was launched to celebrate the birthday of a popular character appearing in McDonald’s commercials. Best known as Ronald McDonald’s best friend, he was introduced as a villainous character named Evil Grimace who stole people’s hearts.

But this shake hasn’t gone viral because of its taste or unique colour. Instead, TikTok users are posting videos where people drink the shake and are immediately seen covered in the drink, pretending to be killed, fainted or suffering.

Although these videos were originally posted on TikTok, they have also appeared on Twitter and other social media platforms.

Last week, a TikTok user posted a video with the hashtag #grimaceshake, which has been viewed over 8 million times. According to Today, It shows the teen passenger taking a sip of the shake and then being transported to a dramatic crime scene, with the shake spilled everywhere and the teen lying on the floor.

The creativity of these users is not only amazing but also scary.

Most of these users who try the shake are shown with their mouths open, presumed dead or dying, and covered with lilac pulp. The trend has essentially turned into mini horror movies centered on Grimace Shack.

Reaction to the trend has ranged from amusement to confusion.

One user commented, “I hope they catch the culprit.” Another said, “I don’t understand this trend but it’s funny.”

McDonald’s has not yet released any official statement on the TikTok trend. But Grimace has taken over all of McDonald’s social media accounts.

In a tweet on Tuesday, McDonald’s posted a photo of the purple monster with the tweet, “I’m pretending I don’t see the grimace shake trend.”