Hashtags are a relatively new concept for me.
(source)
Let’s face it. I grew up in an era where selfies, smart phones and social media didn’t even exist, so the fact I’m slowly and steadily acclimating myself with hashtags is a wonder to behold; perhaps even a thing of beauty with some sparkles on top. A girl needs her sparkles or at least this girl does, even if I do have a ton of tomboy trapped inside me; not literally, because that’d be a medical marvel.
In any event, I have learned to appreciate hashtags and the business savvy side of me, the one who wears faux snake skin pumps and pencil skirts, recognizes their importance, especially where recipes are concerned. Utilizing hashtags is Marketing, let’s say 201 simply so I can feel more advanced, and if they aren’t already their own college course, they soon will be. The truth of the matter is there is value in the hashtag, regardless of how ridiculous they may look.
With that being said, some of the hashtags I see on Instagram leave me scratching my head with their nonsensical ways. I do realize trying to make sense out of Instagram is my first mistake. My second error in judgment is trying to see the connection between the hashtags and the picture being presented. Call me crazy, lord knows it won’t be the first time, but I have trouble identifying a chocolate bar as #girlswholift, #bodybuilding, or #girlswithmuscle. Also, how does posting selfies with a hat on make you #fitfluential? Has the hat been working out? Does the hat go to the gym on a regular basis?
Even though I was just hating, I’m so not a hater. In fact, it would wrong of me to poke fun at other people’s hashtags without taking a jab at my own, and I don’t like to be wrong; ever. I was raised by attorneys; it’s not in our blood. Besides, this is the crux for my post today. The whole intro was just for kicks, and now I’m going to toss in a little mood music. You’re welcome.
Without further ado, ♫ “I’m gonna pop some tags. Only got twenty dollars in my pocket….”♫
Popping Tags*
*These are all hashtags I use on Instagram and most of them on a regular basis.
- #vanillagorilla: it’s possible I stick out like a sore thumb in this category. Suffice to say most of the people who tag themselves as such are a) men and b) could pop my head like an overripe cherry tomato with a bicep.
- #tellmeaboutitspud: I adore potatoes and could belt out Grease almost as good as Sandra D. Spuds of all shapes, sizes, and color make me happy.
- #thighgap: I posted this to prove a point. Don’t believe everything you see on The Gram. Also, a little meat on your bones can be a good thing. #thebettertogriptheHubbywith.
- #chillinlikeavillain: this is a classic afternoon activity for little Oscar. In fact, I take my cues on the weekend from him.
- #publicbanana: you knew I couldn’t go to Toronto and not make this happen. Now remember, a good #publicbanana includes eye contact and a smile. Embrace your bananas and eat them publically, if only to make others feel awkward.
- The time I attempted to make spring rolls and got a bunch of #doobies instead. I don’t recommend searching on this hashtag either; not unless you want the DEA showing up on your doorstep.
- #eatmorecheese: also known as the reason I couldn’t be vegan. In case you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m a total wise ass. It’s how I’m built, ignoring the whole muscle, bones and tissue connectivity stuff.
- #listlover: not to be confused with the Hubby, these make my heart sing, my toes tingle and my pulse quicken or so says the Type A planner in me.
- #bloomingonion: I’m giving Outback a run for their money. Somebody’s gotta do it; might as well be me.
- #sweatybitchesrock: c’mon ladies, let’s turn this one into a thing. God knows we post enough workout selfies to make it happen.
- #naturescandy: this almost makes me want to eat a salad again. Almost.
It would be safe to say I took the old adage, if you can’t beat them, join them, pretty seriously. I’d also say I’ve got this hashtag thing covered. #twosnapsandatwirlforme
What are your go to hashtags? What ones do you use the most frequently? Do you have a little fun with them or are you all business?
I don’t think I knew what hashtags were until starting my blog, no doubt I’m behind the times! Even then I had to google what they were to really get it. Gosh I’m a loser. Now I use the ones on instagram related to #paleo, but honestly still have only half a clue what I’m doing with them. I have a #mindblock with #hashtags. Just #practicing 🙂
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Things Husbands Are Good For + After the Marathon (TOL)
Hey practice makes perfect, so I say #goforit. I should probably tag mine as #cleaneats or #cleaneating. I’ve actually never used either one of those despite my blog name. Oops. Guess it’s back to 101 for me. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…#PoppingTags
You win at hashtags, lady. You win.
I win. Hooray! I love winning so this was a fabulous comment. You can come back anytime.
Meghan recently posted…#PoppingTags
Since I was a marketing major, I am totally laughing that you called hastags marketing 201 lol. I bet they give courses in college these days on hastagging the right way for business. I remember back in my college days, like 1999-ish, taking a new course called Direct Marketing, which was the first to really involve the use of the internet for business. So funny how much things have changed. My son knew what hashtags were before I did. To me it was just the pound sign on a phone. #.
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles recently posted…DASH, Running Shoes & Disney On The Mind
I still think of it as a pound sign on the phone!!
Sometimes I call my niece to ask her what the text lingo is when I don’t understand.
Meghan recently posted…#PoppingTags
I’ll search by hashtag and find some interesting photos that really don’t belong. It’s just users trying to capitalize on popular tags. Makes for some interesting scrolling sometimes! I try not to hashtag my hats with #guysthatlift but I think I’ve maybe crossed that line once or twice! Gotta reach the masses haha!
Chris recently posted…I’m Getting Stronger
Are you flexing with the hat? Wearing a tight fitting shirt which flaunt your pecs? If so then I will allow the #guysthatlift hashtag in these scenarios. 😉
Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.
Meghan recently posted…#PoppingTags
Haha! Loved this, so true sometimes those hash tags are so random…. And then sometimes it’s just fun to add a few randoms in there! Love the #sweatybitchesrock one! After my last comment on your blog I do like the idea of spreading #bringonthemuscles!
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape recently posted…Thinking Out Loud – Survey Style!
The random hashtags or the ones which poke fun at hashtags are my favorite.
I can’t wait to see your #sweatybitchesrock hashtags. Bring ’em on.
Meghan recently posted…#PoppingTags
Let’s pretend we’re the Hashtag Queens. Us, who were raised with a phone on a cable and tapes.
I find them funny. #fail is a favorite of mine, it is my excuse for every embarrassing situation and there are lots of them in my life. I also use #fitswisschick, cause clearly, everyone is looking this # up.
We gave this Casting Show. Voice of Germany running at the moment and you HAVE to check out this battle – Thriftshop. I said, we share the same music taste.
Lucie@FitSwissChick recently posted…Questions about me, cuz you’ll feel so empty WITHOUT ME
This was fabulous, and her pants were dope. Not sure I could pull them off, although that wouldn’t stop me from trying.
Meghan recently posted…#PoppingTags
I have a love/hate relationship with all social media – instagram included. Hashtags feel like they are here to stay, though [cringe] so I gotta get in the now.
The ones I use are #suburbanhomesteading and #growyourown. Mostly because people think my instagram handle has something to do with pot (it doesn’t) so I throw the #growyourown in there to make people who are searching for pot stuff come across my innocuous pics of cilantro and swiss chard.
Not saying pot is bad. Because it’s not. And bring it, feds, we legalized it first. So there.
BTW – I did zumba often to popping tags so while I was reading this, my inner white girl dance was just DYING to get out.
And seriously about that thigh gap thing, right?
Lindsey @HalfDimeHomestead recently posted…Farm Notes – Veteran’s Day Week
Um so #growyourown could still totally be a pot reference. Just sayin.’
I always love hearing from you Lindsey.
Meghan recently posted…#PoppingTags
So I am right! And I quote, “I don’t like to be wrong, ever.” Translated, that means you want to be right! #mrhappy
Touche.
Meghan recently posted…Apple Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Crispy Sage in Brown Butter (The Johnny Apple Cheese Pizza)
#allidoistakephotosofmycats
…….nuff said.
Shannyn recently posted…Fabric and Fabric and Fabric
#andiloveit
Meghan recently posted…Apple Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Crispy Sage in Brown Butter (The Johnny Apple Cheese Pizza)
The wonder that is hashtags…some of them are humorous and some of them are downright dumb (in my ever so humble opinion). The one which especially comes to mind is “yolkporn”…no, just NO! On a separate note, holllaaa to all the sweaty bitches in the house :D!
Khushboo recently posted…Simple pleasures for the healthy foodie
I love #yolkporn. I’m sorry. I said it, and I can’t take it back now. Is #cheeseporn ok?
Meghan recently posted…Apple Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Crispy Sage in Brown Butter (The Johnny Apple Cheese Pizza)
I was just thinking it has been way too long since I’ve seen a #publicbanana … but then I forgot to pack mine this morning 🙁 I thenink #namastebitches is still one of my favorites just because of the contrast, though I kind of like having my own #slpcfyear since no one else has used it before!
Sarah Pie recently posted…25th Birthday Shenanigans PLUS a giveaway!
You’re starting a trend.
Meghan recently posted…Apple Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Crispy Sage in Brown Butter (The Johnny Apple Cheese Pizza)
I’m with you on the hashtag confusion, and I limit myself to four hashtags MAX on my pictures. ONCE in a blue moon there will be five. ALWAYS relating to the photos, and never douchey ones like #girlswholift. Sorry….no..no I am not.
Brittany recently posted…Does it Make Me…
#eatallthecupcakes Yes please, don’t mind if I do.
Usually my #hashtags are jokes. It’s the only way I can make sense of them.
Meghan recently posted…Apple Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Crispy Sage in Brown Butter (The Johnny Apple Cheese Pizza)
I tried resisting hashtags for a loooong time, and I still think they’re kind of stupid, but the blog has basically forced me to embrace them, so I try not to hate on them too much. Well, that and I’ve just learned to ignore them. Like if I see a huge wall of #### blue text on Insta? Not paying attention. That and I try to limit myself to how many I use.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. double chocolate chip oatmeal cookies .
I didn’t even realize they were in blue until you just said that. Wow, my observational skills are slipping. Uh oh.
Meghan recently posted…Apple Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Crispy Sage in Brown Butter (The Johnny Apple Cheese Pizza)
My hashtags: #Vanillagorillafan #publicbananavirgin [<- does this need a #TWSS??] – and: #notactuallyknowingwhatImdoinghere. What I actually meant to say: you rock and I don't use hashtags. Partly because I'm not on Instagram and partly because I have no idea what I'm doing when I do it. There are books on every possible ridiculous topic. Where's "The Dummies' Guide to Hashtags"?? Care to write it, Meg?
Hashtags confuse me and that's another reason why it's wise I stay away from Instagram. Some of these pictures that are more hashtags than actual description?! I wonder a) how #girlgains #girlswholift #girlswhoworkout is related to a non-workout (!) hair selfie and b) if schools are already considering to allow students to write their essays in hashtags. Remembering the girl who handed in one written using text message abbreviations doesn't make that seem so far off …
Miss Polkadot recently posted…Never enough randomness [TMI survey].
Oh I certainly hope we don’t truly start speaking in hashtags. If that happens, it will be the beginning of the end. It would literally be a new language as our society evolves (or devolves depending on how you look at it).
You need to get on Instagram.
Meghan recently posted…Apple Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Crispy Sage in Brown Butter (The Johnny Apple Cheese Pizza)
Can I use #vanillagorilla? If you say no you are racist.
There are two food related ones which I am TOTALLY getting on board with. We are cheese and potato soulmates.
Wait…#cheeseandpotatosoulmates.
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Blogging Politics- The experiment
I’ll think about letting you into the #vanillagorilla club. Just kidding, of course you can join, although I do like #cheeseandpotatosoulmates better.
Meghan recently posted…What The Rut?