Have you seen the abbreviation "DC" around on TikTok? Whether or not you are familiar with other possible meanings of this abbreviation, you know that TikTok exists in a universe of its own. Keep reading to discover what DC stands for on TikTok, and how to use it.
Meaning
The abbreviation "DC", when it is used on TikTok — and usually specifically in the video caption — can stand for two different things:
- Dance credit. In this case, a content creator is performing a dance creator by someone else and crediting the source in the caption.
- Dance challenge. In this case, the TikTok creator is inviting others to participate in a specific challenge, by tagging them in the caption after using the abbreviation "DC".
"Dance credit" is currently the most common meaning of the abbreviation "DC" on TikTok. DC offers a way for creators to credit the source when they are inspired to try a dance created by someone else.
In the second case, where "DC" means "dance challenge", it is also common to see #dancechallenge within the post.
Example Usage
When "DC" means "dance credit", a TikTok creator will use this abbreviation in the video caption, immediately followed by the name or username of the original creator.
"DC" meaning "dance challenge" can be used in a variety of ways, however, like:
- "Are you up for a DC?"
- "#dc #dancechallenge" may, combined with a variety of other hashtags, be used to invite others, who will be tagged, to participate in a dance challenge.
- "Hey, have you seen this latest DC?"
Origin
The popular social media platform TikTok, which allows users to distribute short-form videos, launched on the international market in 2017 and has grown to have more than 1 billion active users. TikTok is currently the seventh most popular social media platform on a global level.
Although a wide variety of video content is uploaded to TikTok, dancing is among the most popular things to do on the platform. The hashtag #dance enjoyed nearly 200 billion views on TikTok in the year 2020, for example.
It's also interesting to note that around half of all TikTok users do not only view videos made by other content creators, but also upload their own. Participating in dances and dance challenges is one of the easiest ways to jump in.
This is how "DC" came into being, and the abbreviation has two distinct meanings — "dance credit" or "dance challenge".
TikTok creators who come up with original dances have worked hard, and crediting them is a great way to show that you care when you perform a dance someone else created.
Forgetting to credit someone can have dire consequences, as Addison Rae, one of the top-earning creators on TikTok, found out when she forgot to offer "DC" after appearing on The Tonight Show and performing a dance.
Words Similar to DC
When TikTok users participate in a trend or challenge that is not related to dancing, and make their own content related to the challenge, they often say "IB", meaning "inspired by".
Words Opposite to DC
There is no direct antonym. The opposite of offering "dance credit" ("DC") would simply be to not offer that credit — something for which TikTok creators will invariably be called out.
What Is the Correct Abbreviation?
The correct TikTok abbreviation is "DC". DC usually means "dance credit", but can also refer to a "dance challenge".
Ways People May Say DC Incorrectly
The abbreviation "DC" has other meanings outside of TikTok. DC also can mean, among other things:
- Don't care
- Disconnected
- Discord
You would be encouraged to remain mindful of the context in which you are posting. If in doubt, spelling the abbreviation out is a good idea, as it will eliminate any confusion.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase DC
You can write "DC [username of original creator]" in a TikTok video caption if you are performing a dance created by someone else.
If you are inviting your friends to take part in a dance challenge, you mention a "DC", and can also tag them and include other hashtags that make it clear you're talking about a dance challenge.