Manifesting
what it means
Sits somewhere between visualisation and superstition, and most people use it half-seriously. "I'm manifesting" usually means "I really want this" with a wink.
Focusing intently on something you want in the belief that it becomes more likely to happen.
the origin story
New Thought and law-of-attraction traditions from the 19th and 20th centuries; the current wave spread through TikTok and Instagram from 2020.
Its 2020 surge coincided with a period when very little felt controllable, which is a well-observed pattern for this kind of practice. The casual use — manifesting a parking space, manifesting good weather — is now far more common than the sincere spiritual version.
in the wild
Have you heard back?
No, but I'm manifesting.
Manifesting that the train is on time.
Manifest harder.
how to use it
- Half-joking about wanting something badly
- Captioning hopeful content
- Casual conversation
- As a substitute for practical action
- Professionally
- In ways that imply people cause their own misfortune
related terms
receipts
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