The #NotACosplayer meme gained traction across social media platforms like TikTok and X as a way for individuals with distinct, often alternative fashion senses to playfully assert that their elaborate outfits are daily wear rather than costumes. It often features people who look strikingly like fictional characters from anime, games, or movies, using the hashtag to highlight the irony of their 'normal' wardrobe. Beyond fashion, it serves as a humorous commentary on subcultures and the blurred lines between personal identity and character aesthetics, making it a favorite for the gaming and alt-fashion communities.