So beautiful, so elegant. Just looking like a wow!
So beautiful, so elegant. Just looking like a wow! is a phrase that went viral through an Instagram video.[1] It became an internet meme and a part of popular culture in India. According to Google, this meme ranked second among the top searches in India in 2023.[2]
Origin
[edit]The meme originated in a series of videos made by a West-Delhi-based mother-daughter duo used to sell their colourful women's apparel. The phrase is part of a video that went viral in September-October 2023. Jasmeen Kaur, a boutique owner who sells salwar suits used this phrase in her presentation. In the video, Kaur describes the outfits as "just looking like a wow" multiple times. Her contagious enthusiasm and passion caused the video to go viral.[3][4][5] This phrase is used to praise something as extraordinary.
Reception
[edit]People on the internet use this phrase to describe everything from outfits to everyday activities.[4] Popular personalities including politicians, cricketers, actors and musicians adopted it. Actor Deepika Padukone and politician Trinamool MP Nusrat Jahan lip-synced to the song. Musician Yashraj Mukhate, tried to create an earworm and actor Sanya Malhotra made a video dancing to it.[6]In November 2023, Nick Jonas launched an Instagram post for his wife Priyanka Chopra for Karwa Chauth.[6][7]
Indian cricketer KL Rahul commented on a picture of his wife Athiya Shetty's Instagram post, and said, "So pretty... so beautiful... looking absolutely wow!"[8] In a tweet, Pakistani cricketer Iftikhar Ahmed used this phrase to appreciate his teammate Fakhar Zaman's innings against the New Zealand in an ODI World Cup match in November 2023.[9]
Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla used this phrase in his note on the Indian economy in January 2024.[10]
The meme gained international traction, with users from various countries like Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and Canada creating their own versions.[11]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Singh, Pooja (10 November 2023). "Where 'just looking like a wow' has always been a trend". livemint. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ "Top 10 Most Searched Memes In 2023 In India, According To Google Trends". Forbes India. 22 December 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
- ^ "'Just looking like a wow': A phrase by a woman running a Delhi boutique turns a sensation". The Indian Express. 6 November 2023. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
- ^ a b "'Just Looking Like A Wow': Origin And How The Meme Became Internet Sensation". NDTV. 31 October 2023. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
- ^ Dutt, Bharkha (14 December 2023). "The phrase that ruled the Indian internet in 2023". Rest of World. Retrieved 6 February 2025.
- ^ a b Roy, Sandip (23 November 2023). "Column So beautiful, so elegant! Take a 'wow', Jasmeen Kaur. Lessons from Delhi boutique owner's viral fame". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
- ^ Arya, Prachi (2 November 2023). "Nick feels wife Priyanka is 'just looking like a wow' in green saree. See Post". India Today. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ "Just looking like a wow meme has Deepika Padukone, Yashraj Mukhate, Wamika Gabbi, K L Rahul as its takers". The Tribune. 1 November 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ "'So beautiful, just looking like a Wow': Iftikhar uses viral meme to praise Fakhar Zaman batting". The Indian Express. 5 November 2023. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
- ^ Sarkar, Kanishka (29 January 2024). "Kumar Mangalam Birla says Indian economy 'just looking like a wow'". CNBCTV18. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
- ^ Rakshika, Vihanya (7 November 2023). "'Just looking like a wow!' – how this catchphrase is going viral". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 9 May 2025.