What does Dark Academia mean?
An aesthetic centered on classic literature and learning
Detailed Explanation
Dark Academia is a popular internet aesthetic and subculture romanticizing a life of classical studies, literature, and the pursuit of knowledge, often with a moody, melancholic, and slightly mysterious atmosphere. The aesthetic is heavily inspired by classic literature, European university life, and historical periods like the 19th century. Common visual themes include tweed jackets, old libraries, gothic architecture, and handwritten letters.
Usage Examples
“Her whole Instagram feed has a dark academia vibe, with lots of photos of old books and coffee.”
“I'm looking for a new sweater that fits the dark academia aesthetic.”
“He's really into dark academia, he spends all his time reading poetry in cafes.”
Origin & History
The subculture began to form on Tumblr around 2015, inspired by books like Donna Tartt's 'The Secret History.' It gained massive popularity on platforms like TikTok and Instagram in the late 2010s and early 2020s, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Light Academia'?
'Light Academia' is a similar aesthetic but with a more positive, optimistic, and cheerful tone. It focuses on themes of joy in learning, friendship, and has a lighter color palette compared to the moodier Dark Academia.