What is a “Girl Dinner?”

The whole internet, it seems, is asking the same question: What the heck is a “girl dinner?” Well, we’ve got the answer, though it might spur on more questions.

To start, “Girl dinner” is a term coined on TikTok to describe a meal of snacks or light fare that is typically eaten by, you guessed it: women. The trend was started by Olivia Maher, who posted a video of her “girl dinner” of bread, cheese, grapes, and wine. The video went viral, and soon, other TikTok users were posting their own “girl dinners” of everything from charcuterie boards to bowls of cereal (a personal favorite in this house).

A “Girl Dinner” is What You Make It

So, like most things started on the internet, there’s no real definition of what constitutes a “girl dinner.” It can be anything from a simple snack plate to a more elaborate meal. However, there are some common elements that are often found in “girl dinners.” These include:

Snacks: Crackers, cheese, fruit, vegetables, nuts, chips, candy, etc.
Light fare: Salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, etc.
Drinks: Wine, beer, cocktails, tea, coffee, etc.

Also like all things internet-generated, there’s controversy. The term “girl dinner” has been met with mixed reactions. Some people find it to be a fun and relatable way to describe a casual meal. Others find it to be sexist and another way to body-shame others.

Ultimately, whether or not “girl dinners” are a good or bad thing, it seems plenty of people are partaking. If you enjoy eating snacks and light fare for dinner, then have at it. Goodness knows that those of us with children have had plenty of “mom dinners,” eating kids’ leftovers instead of our own meal! Obviously, it is important to make sure, no matter what, that you are getting enough nutrients from your meals.