Caroline Timoney, a comedian and TikTok creator, has seen her phrase “girlbossed a bit too close to the sun” become a part of the public lexicon. The phrase, which she coined in a 2021 TikTok video, has been used over 24,000 times and has recently resurfaced as a lyric in Taylor Swift’s newest album, The Life of a Showgirl.
Timoney began posting on TikTok in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and initially posted sporadically. However, after creating the “girlboss” video, her account gained traction, and she started posting comedy content daily. She has since moved to Los Angeles and performs stand-up comedy, balancing her creative pursuits with a full-time job.
The comedian has stated that she is thrilled to see her phrase being used in a Taylor Swift song, despite some fans suggesting she should take legal action. Timoney has clarified that she does not intend to sue Swift or anyone else for using the phrase, as she believes it has become a public phrase.
Timoney’s rise to fame on TikTok has been marked by her quick-witted and expressive comedy style, which often incorporates her eyebrows and facial expressions. She has collaborated with other comedians and friends, including Hannah Schoen, with whom she co-hosts a monthly stand-up show called Babe Stoppp.
The comedian has acknowledged that maintaining a social media presence and creating content can be challenging, especially when balancing it with a full-time job and stand-up comedy performances. However, she has found that her online presence has helped her get noticed in the comedy scene in Los Angeles and has enabled her to connect with other comedians and fans.
Timoney’s experience highlights the power of social media in catapulting creators to fame and the complexities of intellectual property in the digital age. As her phrase continues to be used and referenced in popular culture, it remains to be seen how she will navigate the implications of her creation becoming a part of the public lexicon.
