Pettytags

Pettytags are a form of online tagging used on various social media platforms and content sharing sites. They are characterized by their trivial, often insignificant, or highly specific nature. Unlike traditional tags that aim to categorize content broadly or improve searchability, pettytags often focus on minutiae, personal observations, or inside jokes. For example, a photo of a sandwich might be tagged with #crustless, #halfmoon, or #mightbetoast.

The purpose of pettytags is varied. Some users employ them for humorous effect, creating a playful and often nonsensical layer to their posts. Others might use them as a form of personal journaling, documenting small details that are meaningful only to themselves. In some online communities, pettytags can serve as an in-group identifier, signaling shared experiences or understanding among members. While they can sometimes contribute to discoverability for niche interests, their primary function often lies beyond conventional metadata. The proliferation of pettytags reflects a trend towards more expressive and idiosyncratic online communication, where even the smallest details can become a point of digital annotation.