The 'Is Not a Personality Trait' phrase emerged as a popular linguistic trope on social media platforms like Twitter and Tumblr during the mid-2010s. It is primarily used to critique people who base their entire identity on a single, often mundane, trait or hobby—such as liking coffee, being tall, or hating popular music. The meme acts as a reality check, calling out the perceived lack of depth in online personas. In its visual form, the text is often placed over various templates like whiteboards or simple colored backgrounds to deliver a sharp, sarcastic message that resonates with users tired of repetitive internet clichés.