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Inside the “Ama1K” trend taking over TikTok — Gen Z vs. Everyone born before 2000

TikTok has long been a space for entertainment, humour, and sometimes unexpected social commentary, and the latest viral trend, Ama1K, perfectly captures that mix. Sparked by South Africa’s ama2K generation (those born from 2000 onwards), the trend humorously flips the script on how Gen Z is often perceived by older generations.

@asavela.ng they always think that they eat with the matte lipstick and shades combo. 😭😭😭 #fyp #fypシ゚ #ma1k #tiktoksouthafrica🇿🇦 #southafrica ♬ original sound - EEEMOH PURPLE WINTER

For years, ama2K have been labeled in all sorts of ways: nonchalant, outspoken, rebellious, and even “too modern.” But now, they’ve taken control of the narrative by creating a new term for everyone born before 2000, Ama1K, a playful jab that groups together Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials under one humorous title. While the bracket is hilariously broad, covering people born between 1900 and 1999, the intent is clear: it’s Gen Z’s turn to tease.

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@julian_fromtiktok Help a senior citizen please. Whats going on? #ama1k #southafrica #trends ♬ original sound - julian_fromtiktok 🇿🇦

The Ama1K videos flooding TikTok mimic how older generations act, dress, and speak. Users recreate exaggerated scenes of how Ama1K “put on make up,” “talk about how they look young,” or “still say things like ‘back in my day.’” It’s satire at its best, equal parts affectionate and sharp. Even local entertainer Lasizwe joined the conversation, posting a video trying to “understand” the new label, showing how quickly the term has spread across social media.

@lasizwe

WHAT DO YOU MEAN we are called AMA 1K?

♬ original sound - Lasizwe

But beneath the laughs lies something deeper. The Ama1K trend shines a light on ongoing generational tensions that often play out online. Gen Z, often criticized for their lifestyle, fashion choices, and outspoken nature, have long been on the receiving end of cyber commentary. Remarks like “ama2K look older,” “they’re disrespectful,” or “they party too much” reveal the harsh generalizations that young people face daily.

@k.k.dea

What did I miss?😭😭nyahlupa nina

♬ original sound - kaykay the diva

By creating Ama1K, Gen Z is reclaiming their voice in a humorous, creative way. It’s their way of saying: if you can label us, we can label you too. The result is a digital tug-of-war that’s more funny than hostile, but it also opens up bigger conversations about how generations understand (or misunderstand) one another.

From playful parody videos to clever commentary, here's some funny moments from the Ama1K trend on Tik Tok.

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tiktok | trend | ama1k

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Sindeka Mandoyi

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