Pop Culture

‘What are you doing?’: This ‘White Lotus’ soundbite is a little bit sus

‘Texting who?’

Photo of Charlotte Colombo

Charlotte Colombo

what are you doing texting - TOS - White Lotus
That One Sound is a column from internet culture reporter Charlotte Colombo that explores the origin of popular sounds heard on TikTok.
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If you’ve ever texted someone you shouldn’t have, or acted in an otherwise shady way, this is the perfect trend for you.

The sound

@roncoxjr bestie what are you doing🫢 #fyp #fypシ ♬ original sound – HBO
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“What are you doing?” a female voice asks, dripping with suspicion.

“Texting,” the second voice replies, just a few seconds too quickly.

To which the first voice asks: “Texting who?”

“My sister,” the second voice replies. But if we’re being honest, the response isn’t that convincing. Narrowed eyes and suspicious glances are at the heart of this TikTok sound.

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TikTokers are using to recreate some of their more sneaky moments, from texting that person who should be blocked, to having to Google an answer to a question about the job you’ve been doing for years.

Where’s it from?

@hbo The power of the glare. #thewhitelotus ♬ original sound – HBO

This sound comes from the first season of The White Lotus, which was released in 2021. In this clip, Olivia (Sydney Sweeney) is suspicious about who her friend Paula (Brittany O’Grady) is texting. It’s pretty self-explanatory, to be honest.

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Sound off

@wwe She always has her eyes on the prize 👀🏆 #WWE #TiffanyStratton ♬ original sound – HBO

The sound initially went viral in summer 2023, with Kylie Jenner and Stormi even getting involved, but as Sydney Sweeney becomes the nation’s sweetheart, with the success of Anyone But You and her recent SNL appearance, the trend is having a second moment in the sun.

Most recently, WWE’s Tiffany Stratton poked fun at the trend.

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Now you can watch our That One Sound from TikTok column on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel and keep an eye out for new episodes every Wednesday:


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