On TikTok, the term “panda” frequently functions as a noun referring to an attractive or desirable person, particularly within the context of online flirting or admiration. It often carries a connotation of someone who is considered cute, cuddly, or generally appealing. For instance, a user might comment “He’s such a panda” on a video of someone they find attractive.
The adoption of this seemingly unrelated animal name highlights the platform’s dynamic and evolving lexicon. The use of “panda” in this way provides a subtle and coded way to express attraction without being overly explicit. This indirect approach to expressing interest can be particularly useful in a public forum like TikTok, where users might want to moderate the openness of their flirtatious interactions. Furthermore, the relatively obscure nature of the slang means it could also be used to avoid detection by parents.
