The most vocal people on the internet have found a new way to call out feminists on social media, and it's all thanks to the so-called "Septum Theory."

After spending the last few years spreading around online, Septum Theory is now going viral on sites like TikTok as a way of allegedly spotting feminists, man-haters and perpetual victims, with the whole theory orbiting around septum piercings or nose rings.

But what exactly is the Septum Theory, where does it come from, and is it true? Here's what you need to know.

What Is The Septum Theory?

Septum Theory is an idea coined and popularized by Black men's rights activist Torraine Walker. Walker has been expressing his weariness about people with septum piercings since as early as 2017, but it wasn't until 2023 when he articulated his theories about people with septum rings in the form of a video.

In the video, Walker suggests that you can tell someone is a man-hater and feminist with radical, anti-male opinions if they have a septum ring. He shows some examples of women arguably speaking poorly about men as an example, each with a septum piercing.

Since then, Walker has continued to point out examples of his theory on X / Twitter, calling out both men and women with the piercings routinely.

You've heard me saying "THE THEORY IS UNDEFEATED!!!" on here many times. Here's a full breakdown of what I mean when I say that. Septum Ring Theory Explained, Pt. I pic.twitter.com/jshioLq5Kc

— Torraine Walker (@TorraineWalker) September 25, 2023

How Is 'Septum Theory' Discussed Online?

Septum Theory has been spreading online for a few years now, but it really took off on TikTok in 2025. Mostly, it's used as a snarky comment under videos of people with septum rings, especially if those people are trying to share an opinion or trauma dump about men.

In this way, the term "Septum Theory" is used in comments to essentially dismiss the person speaking and suggest they're unhinged.

As Septum Theory has spread online, it's picked up an alternate, related definition, with some believing that it means "people with septum piercings make their trauma their whole personality." Basically, it's now being used more broadly to call out anyone with a septum piercing as a perpetual victim, borrowing a few pages from the anti-SJW handbook.

Of course, people with septum piercings aren't taking this lying down and have been posting responses to septum theory, either embracing it, denouncing it or proudly flaunting their piercings for everyone.

@wasteharlot

i’m gonna make it even bigger awf

♬ original sound – 🎧

What Are Some More 'Septum Theory' Reactions?

@osiekaplan for those who have asked im currently at a 10g!! :) i love my piercings i encourage you all to express yourselves #piercings #septumring #septum ♬ original sound – osie

@ponyboy_kult

I stand by what I said. Our Generation shouldn't be burnt out of society by their teens. We've been failed by literally everyone.

♬ original sound – Ponyboy

@i.c.e. I feel comfortable with metal in my face #alternative #piercing #septum blank" title="♬ Classic classical gymnopedie solo piano(1034554) – Lyrebirds music" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Classic-classical-gymnopedie-solo-piano-1034554-6974451099088455681?refer=embed">♬ Classic classical gymnopedie solo piano(1034554) – Lyrebirds music

@www.amnda.com #argument #debate #left #leftist #USA #US #septum #septumring #piercings #alternative #conservatives #leftism #socialism #democracy #piercing #liberal #leftism ♬ original sound – amanda ☥✯

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