#DefinitelyPurpleAndNotMauve: The Internet’s Latest Color Controversy Sparks Heated Debate…more to read…

#DefinitelyPurpleAndNotMauve: The Internet’s Latest Color Controversy Sparks Heated Debate…more to read…

Move over “The Dress” and “Yanny vs. Laurel” — there’s a new color debate captivating the internet, and this time it’s all about a shade that some claim is unmistakably purple, while others insist it’s mauve. The hashtag #DefinitelyPurpleAndNotMauve has exploded across social media platforms, sparking passionate arguments, memes, and even professional input from color experts.

The viral moment began innocently enough: a fashion influencer posted a photo of a new pair of boots she described as “the perfect mauve shade.” Within minutes, comments flooded in, many asserting that the boots were clearly purple — not even close to mauve. One commenter wrote, “That’s not mauve, that’s purple. Like, crayon box purple.” Another replied, “My grandmother’s curtains are mauve. Those boots are NOT mauve.”

From there, the post took on a life of its own. Screenshots were shared on Twitter and TikTok, giving rise to the now-trending hashtag #DefinitelyPurpleAndNotMauve. The internet, as it often does, split into camps: Team Purple and Team Mauve. Fashionistas, designers, digital artists, and everyday users all chimed in, with side-by-side color comparisons, polls, and even color-picking tools being used to “settle” the debate.

But what exactly is the difference between purple and mauve?

According to color theory, purple is a broad category of colors located between red and blue on the color wheel. It can vary in tone and intensity, but it generally refers to vibrant hues. Mauve, on the other hand, is a paler, more muted tone with a gray or pink undertone. It was first named in the 19th century after the French word for the mallow flower and became a fashionable color in Victorian England.

“Technically speaking, mauve is a soft, desaturated purple with a hint of rose,” explains Claire Jensen, a color specialist and branding consultant. “What many people call ‘purple’ can include mauve, but mauve is definitely its own thing.”

Despite expert input, the internet remains divided. A poll conducted by a popular fashion blog saw 62% of respondents voting for purple, 31% for mauve, and 7% unsure. Meanwhile, brands and marketers have been quick to capitalize on the buzz. One major shoe retailer released a limited-edition “#DefinitelyPurple” sneaker, while a cosmetics company teased a lipstick called “Not Mauve.”

Beyond the humor and viral nature of the debate, the moment speaks to the subjective nature of color perception — influenced by lighting, screen settings, personal experiences, and cultural context. It also reflects how the internet loves a good argument over something that seems trivial but resonates with a shared human experience.

As with past color controversies, there may never be a definitive answer — and that’s part of the fun. For now, the debate rages on, with memes, side-eyes, and screenshots fueling the conversation.

One thing is clear: whether you see purple or mauve, the internet is definitely seeing engagement.