DRIFT PRINCIPLE

The idea that when a system optimizes too fast (for efficiency, engagement, or simplicity), the fidelity of meaning drops and reality starts to feel thinner, flatter, or slightly fake. It’s what happens when everything becomes streamlined but nothing feels grounded anymore.

“Instagram used to feel real, but now it’s all the same recycled vibe. Total Drift Principle. Compression outran fidelity.”

by GuyWhoWritesDefinitions November 5, 2025

respect the drift

A phrase used towards someone who is complaining about broken controls in racing games.

Person A: Why is the kart not freaking turning?!

Person B: Respect the drift, Person A.

by ChameleonDragon September 16, 2019

Catch my drift

When you get caught downwind of a fart

As I ran ahead of my friends, I farted and asked them “did you catch my drift?”

by Johnica February 1, 2023

day drifting

Like day dreaming but you're too high.

I was day drifting.

by Boobnerdy July 31, 2017