This spooky season, creators on TikTok, Threads, and pretty much anywhere that can trend on social media, have sparked a tongue-in-cheek meme/trend called “I Hate Black Halloween.” 

In these posts, people joke about showing up to the Halloween function as the most niche Black culture thing you can think of. For example: “I hate Black Halloween. What do you mean you’re going [to the function] as the bubbles Helen told Charles to stop making?” or “What do you mean you’re the ending credits scene from Sister Act 2?”

The humor stems from deep-cut references (vintage reality TV/sitcoms, or viral moments familiar to Black audiences) that outsiders wouldn’t get or would be hard-pressed to have someone explain. It follows the formula of last year’s “I Hate Gay Halloween” trend, where LGBTQ+ folks celebrated Halloween with wildly specific, very gay, inside-jokey costumes instead of the typical spooky (or slutty) fits.

The “I Hate Black Halloween” trend has really blown up on social over the last month. Observers note it’s the same setup: “I hate Black Halloween, what do you mean you’re dressed as…,” followed by some very specific costume idea. Black creators lampoon themselves and outsiders by picking things like Kenya Moore’s white refrigerator or the mountain Sheila had to drive up on to save her marriage — very specific nods that only a Black fan would catch. Media experts say the appeal and the pay-off is in getting the reference. Each joke gets funnier the more niche the pop culture cue.

Far from being cynical, the joke is actually a celebration of community. Anthropologists say the meme highlights the boost from the IYKYK feeling you get when you know. One fan noted that the best part is feeling “like you’re in on a joke…a little bit of communal laughter in the nicheness. In other words, “Black Halloween” costumes are a way for Black people to turn shared cultural trivia into inside jokes. It showcases an observant eye for details about beloved, but likely underappreciated moments in Black pop culture, bonding the community in humor and pride.

Check out a few faves: