From “Knockoff” to “Dupe”

If you have been on social media lately, you would know about the new term “dupe”. A dupe is a product remarkably similar to a designer/name-brand item for much cheaper. This is not a new concept, however, it is being seen in a new light. Ten years ago, having an off-brand item was not cool. The term used to describe a generic or off-brand item was “knockoff.” Knockoffs were not held to the same social standard as dupes are today. People did not care how much they were paying, they wanted the top designer brands. Yet, now finding a knockoff or dupe is seen as an accomplishment. 

The term “dupe” was popularized on the app TikTok. Creators began to find products such as makeup, bags, clothes, shoes, etc. They make videos comparing the dupe to the name-brand product. This allows viewers to see the similarities between the products. TikTok lets their viewers see the products being used on real people which further persuades them to buy the dupe instead of the name-brand. On TikTok videos with the #dupe has over 1.3 billion views. Elizabeth Basset, a sophomore at Waukee High School states, “I use the Elf Halo Glow Foundation which is a dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter. I think that it is better because it is $7 compared to $50.” When asked if she was hesitant to buy the dupe instead of the name brand she said, “I am not embarrassed because a lot of people use it since it went  viral on TikTok for how good it was.” Another Junior, Avery Bergman stated, “I have a dupe for the Drunk Elephant Bronzing drops. They are $7 from Target instead of $40.”  She goes on to state that trends go by so fast it is not worth spending loads of money on items that will be out of style in a month. 

While dupes are popularized now, they were not ten years ago. Lesley Christensen, Waukee’s Mental Health Coordinator was asked how “dupes” or “knockoffs” used to be seen. “I was very embarrassed to own any off-brand items.” She stated, “I even had my dad sew a brand label onto a pair of jean shorts and he put it on the wrong side. So when I wore them to school I got made fun of.” 

In just the course of ten years, knockoffs have transformed into dupes. Social media has popularized the term dupe and allowed creators to share the products they find. Now dupes are being used all throughout the world. High school students here at Waukee High School are using and finding new dupes every day. This is a great social change for high school students considering most do not have the money to spend on one shirt or a lip gloss. Next time you are thinking of dropping $100 on a name-brand product; look up a dupe for said product on TikTok and you will be sure to find a cheaper dupe.