What Are 'Disney Knees?' The Slang Term And Viral Phenomenon Popularized By Demi Lovato Explained

People are noticing a strange phenomenon in former Disney stars like Demi Lovato and Olivia Rodrigo, and it has something to do with their knees.

The phenomenon, known as "Disney knees," is being called out across social media, and once you see it, you'll never be able to unsee it.

So what are Disney knees, where did the slang term come from and how do you spot them? Here's what you need to know.

@xaviermartinnn_ So we are not gonna talk about her legs?💀 #camprock #demilovato ♬ original sound

What Are 'Disney Knees?'

Back in 2020, people started noticing a shared pose that former Disney stars-turned-pop stars like to strike. The earliest known video to point this out was posted by TikToker @xaviermartinnn_, who made a video copycatting the pose as seen in Demi Lovato's performance of "This Is Me" from Camp Rock. The pose in question involves bending your knees inward so that they point toward one another.

About a year later, the term "Disney Knees" was coined on Twitter / X to describe the term. Only a day after it was coined, a post sharing several examples of the phenomenon went viral on the site, highlighting this bent-knee pose in stars Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus and Olivia Rodrigo.

Since then, the term has only become more popularized around social media and the internet as a way of calling out the strange pose.

While it's unclear exactly why all these former Disney stars appear to do the Disney knees, it's speculated that it makes them seem "edgier" and "cooler."

How Is 'Disney Knees' Used In Memes?

Since 2021, posts pointing out instances of Disney knees have only become more and more frequent. While it's usually the same few former Disney stars who are pointed out, other examples have also gone viral in recent years, including Sabrina Carpenter.

Some people also joke that Disney knees are a sign that a former Disney star will never escape their Disney past.

Various internet users are now making memes and skits that point out objects or things other than people striking a "Disney knees" post.

For example, one TikToker posted a video of a bent Stop sign over the sound for Demi Lovato's "La La Land," suggesting that the sign is doing Disney knees. Another posted a similar video with a shopping cart to millions of views, showing just how popular and recognizable the term has become.

@amaaaliiiiaa

disney knees

♬ оригинальный звук – revamped by demi lovato

@sofsfamous demi needs to thank her #disneychannel ♬ оригинальный звук – revamped by demi lovato

@.aydenlee

let’s just say it’s always a blast when i’m on the schedule;)

♬ оригинальный звук – revamped by demi lovato

@2tswizzle #disneyknees #oliviarodrigo #sabrinacarpenter #disney #dance #fyp ♬ original sound – 🪄💐💫

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For the full history of Disney Knees, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.