The internet just tried to call Margot Robbie a 'mid'. Here's what that actually means.

The people of the internet have had a lot to say about Margot Robbie this week.

And no, it's not just because Barbie is about to hit cinemas around the world (although we are very excited about it).

This week, the 33-year-old Aussie actress became the subject of a Twitter debate which saw people on the internet labelling Margot Robbie as (brace yourselves) 'mid'.

Enter: A group of men who would like to voice their opinions on a woman's appearance. 

"Margot Robbie is a natural mid," wrote one Twitter user. 

"Definitely mid," said another, alongside a picture of what he deems is Robbie "without makeup". 

Margot Robbie is a natural mid pic.twitter.com/2bBPf6jqDN

— “Bad” Billy Pratt (@KILLTOPARTY) July 12, 2023

This is her without makeup.

Definitely mid. https://t.co/9sHshGY09z pic.twitter.com/Q4yLPC1dIE

— Nick (@NicholasVerola) July 12, 2023

She is a hard 7. You used to find a Margot Robbie in every Blockbuster Video in 1995. pic.twitter.com/rGvrUg0F4z

— Bizlet (@bizlet7) July 12, 2023

Margot Robbie was cast in Barbie explicitly because she isn’t pretty enough to alienate a female audience https://t.co/Iw6sEtEngq

— “Bad” Billy Pratt (@KILLTOPARTY) July 11, 2023

So what's going on? And why is everyone talking about the term 'mid'? 

Let's unpack it.

First up, what actually is a mid?

In TikTok speak, 'mid' refers to something that is average, mediocre or mid-tier.

AKA definitely not the word to describe Margot Robbie... or any other woman on the internet. 

What has the reaction been?

Naturally, the people of Twitter and TikTok are straight up not having it. 

Many have pointed out the 'insanity' of labelling Robbie – arguably the epitome of societal beauty standards – as 'mid', and questioning what it means for those who fall outside those impossible expectations.

this new trend on twitter trying to convince us that margot robbie is mid is insane https://t.co/Y3D98rhJge

— kira 👾 (@kirawontmiss) July 13, 2023

If this is mid you mofos lost the plot pic.twitter.com/7Sx6IYfTsD

— Mommy Milkers (@Mochak123) July 11, 2023

No straight male actually thinks Margot Robbie is “mid.” I repeat: No straight male. pic.twitter.com/0lySfI5xuP

— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) July 14, 2023

Others have also called out the apparent stereotype of people who would be brazen enough to critique a woman's appearance from behind a keyboard. 

Which has led to judgment being thrown from both camps. 

“margot robbie is mid” pic.twitter.com/VPNY7W8jWG

— juju 💰 (@ayeejuju) July 13, 2023

“Margot Robbie is mid” pic.twitter.com/8bzYLziFwf

— Aubrey Strobel (@aubreystrobel) July 12, 2023

What does the term say about the people saying it?

Put simply: a lot. 

As some have pointed out on TikTok and Twitter, the criticism of Robbie's appearance as middle-range speaks to porn culture and the unrealistic beauty expectations in today's Instagram-filtered world. 

"Herre's the thing guys, you know what this is the result of? Porn addiction... and Instagram model addiction," said TikTok user @jackmacbarstool.

"If you don't look like you have three million Instagram followers then your mid."

 #greenscreen #barbie ♬ original sound - Jack Mac

Calling Margot Robbie mid is why so many women feel they have to use filters on social media. I mean seriously, you don’t have to like her or her look, but she’s NOT mid.

I hate this generation’s “standards” & slang terms. Who the fuck are you? Everyone’s a super model now?

— DuchessOfSalt👑💎 (@SaltyMom10) July 13, 2023

This very controversial topic was discussed on Mamamia Out Loud today, with Mia, Holly and Clare Stephens sharing their stances on the 'mid' debate. 

You can listen to this episode right here:

Feature Image: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu Agency/ Getty.

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