Penning her way to the top of the charts with back-to-back hits, singer-songwriter Taylor Swift is capturing attention for something other than her catchy tunes.
The global phenom, who influenced the music industry and pop culture, sparked a massive online conversation over not what she writes, but rather how she writes.
Keep reading to learn why a teacher says she’s “pretty concerned,” and why “Swifties” are excited about “Taylor Swifting.”
Not a day goes by without hearing or seeing Taylor Swift’s name in the media.
The pop sensation, who turned 34 in December, has a global following of loyal “Swifties” who have placed her on a pedestal, where she continues to build her record-breaking career.
In the past year alone, ‘Miss Americana’ became the only living artist with “the most simultaneous albums on the US Billboard 200, with a total of 10.”
Guinness World Records writes “Only three other artists in history have had at least 10 of their albums simultaneously on the US Billboard 200 chart – Whitney Houston in 2012 and Prince and David Bowie, both in 2016 – but these have all happened posthumously.”
And, according to the Washington Post, the ‘Shake it Off’ singer and entrepreneur is expected to pocket $4.1 billion from the 2023/2024 Eras Tour (along with the accompanying concert film), which is “more than the yearly economic output of 42 countries, including Liberia, which has more than 5 million people.”
She’s also a name known among football fans. Since she started dating NFL player Travis Kelce, droves of Swifties have been taking over the stands of Kansas City Chief’s games, hoping to catch a glimpse of the ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ singer.
Swift influence
Swift has a reach so massive that universities – state to Ivy League – are using her talents to teach their lessons.
In fact, America’s sweetheart joins literary greats like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge as course subjects at Harvard’s English Department. As of 2024, students are able to take the college credit course, “Taylor Swift and Her World,” and dive into Swift’s lyrics, music, and influence.
The singer is leaving her mark across the world, inking her influence with a pen she holds in an unconventional way.
And of course, people have picked up on it.
‘Taylor Swifting’
In the music video for her song, ‘Anti-Hero,’ Swift is seen taking notes, clutching her pen between her index and middle finger, which looks terribly uncomfortable.
Her unusual grip – unlike the majority of people who hold a pen or pencil with their thumb and index finger – has become a topic of chatter on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and forums such as Reddit.
On January 1, one user named Peter, shares a now viral post on X, where he expresses his confusion over Swift’s pen holding.
Along with four photos that illustrates her grip, he writes, “My 2024 is off to a rocky start, as I just learned this is how Taylor Swift holds her pen.”
The post, that’s hit the eyes of 1.3 million people, attracted scores of netizens, some offering explanations.
One writes, “It’s so she can write and hold a guitar pick at the same time!” A second, agreeing with that theory, provides “supporting evidence.”
Meanwhile on Reddit, users are breaking down Swift’s style of writing, some suggesting the guitar player has a weak grip.
“As a preschool teacher, I have to say I’m pretty concerned about Taylor Swift’s pencil grip,” writes one. A second user believes he has the winning explanation: “It eases tension in the wrist, allows for more control without adding pressure to the pencil or pen.”
Other netizens admitted to following the superstar’s lead.
“Ok, so I just tried to write like this and it is surprisingly easy. Might even be a little bit better if you actually get good at it!” shares one.
Another, who’s given Swift’s grip a name, writes: “I actually find Taylor Swifting more comfortable.”
It’s safe to say that Taylor Swift has found another way to influence Swifties.
What do you think of this story? Please share your comments and then share this story so we can hear what others have to say about “Taylor Swifting!”
READ MORE
- Taylor Swift donates $1 million to Tennessee tornado relief
- Taylor Swift’s mom diagnosed with a brain tumor
