Introduction to the Fridge Cigarette Phenomenon
It’s like a smoke break, but with aspartame instead of tobacco. Picture this: It’s a long, stressful day at work, and you’re only halfway through. You need to let off a little steam. How about you crack open a cool, fizzy “fridge cigarette”?
The Origin of the Term
The term “fridge cigarette” — also known as a Diet Coke — has recently taken off online, thanks to a video posted on June 8 by TikToker Rachel Reno. “overheard someone call Diet Coke a ‘fridge cigarette’ and nothing’s been more true to me since,” her caption reads. In it, Reno is seated atop a blanket on the grass with a wrapped-up sandwich and Diet Coke. After she opens the can — its carbonation audibly greeting the audience — and she takes a sip.
The Viral Sensation
Reno’s TikTok, which has garnered more than 3.8 million views to date, highlights a prevailing idea among Gen Zers and millennials that we all deserve a little treat — like a crisp Diet Coke — especially during the workday. Other TikTokers are picking up what Reno is putting down. “almost 3pm? time for my daily fridge cigarette,” one user captioned their beverage break video. “a little fridge cigarette to take the edge off,” posted another. Other users took the analogy a step further, sipping their sodas as if they were taking a drag of it.
The Analogy Explained
Reno reiterates that she didn’t actually coin the term “fridge cigarette,” but she really did overhear it from a coworker a little over a year ago, and says it’s been incredible to see the response from people online. “The best insights are ones that we don’t have to explain to each other, we just ‘get it’ — and people just get the analogy,” Reno tells TODAY.com. “Even though Diet Coke might not want to be associated with cigarettes, it’s a truth about the brand that resonates with millions of people.”
History of the Diet Coke Break
While the term “fridge cigarette” is new to the internet’s lexicon, the idea of treating oneself to a Diet Coke break is not. In spring 2023, the hashtag #dietcokebreak racked up millions of views on TikTok, which led some publications to deem the practice “Gen Z’s version of the smoke break.” “A Diet Coke break is something I do look forward to when I am in the office,” Dedrick Boyington-Warmack, a then-27-year-old marketing manager, told Fortune in 2023. “I usually don’t bring soda into my home.” And a June 2023 post on X described Diet Coke as having “cigarette aesthetic.”
Health Implications
The comparison may persist because of the idea that sodas — even diet ones — are not good for you. A 2020 study found that those who drank many beverages with artificial sweeteners had a higher risk of heart disease than those who didn’t consume them.
Expansion of the Concept
On June 9, Reno posted a follow-up video expanding on the original idea, categorizing regular Coke, Coke Zero and other diet sodas into types of cigarettes. “People mentioning La Croix or sparkling water, respect to you, for me, that is a juice treat,” she says, adding that they are tantamount to prop cigarettes in plays. “A few people have asked about full-fat Coke in the glass bottle, and I said, ‘That’s a cigar.’”
Conclusion
The phenomenon of the “fridge cigarette” has taken the internet by storm, with millions of people relating to the idea of taking a break with a Diet Coke. While the term may be new, the concept of treating oneself to a Diet Coke break is not. As the conversation around the “fridge cigarette” continues, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and what implications it may have for our understanding of work culture and self-care.
FAQs
Q: What is a “fridge cigarette”?
A: A “fridge cigarette” is a term used to describe a Diet Coke, likening it to a smoke break.
Q: Where did the term “fridge cigarette” originate?
A: The term “fridge cigarette” originated from a TikTok video posted by Rachel Reno.
Q: Is the concept of a Diet Coke break new?
A: No, the concept of a Diet Coke break is not new, but the term “fridge cigarette” is a recent development.
Q: What are the health implications of consuming Diet Coke?
A: Consuming Diet Coke and other artificially sweetened beverages has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease.
