Have you been seeing comments referring to a ‘sleeper build’? In this post, we’ll go over what does sleeper build mean and why people say it on TikTok.
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If you’ve seen the term ‘sleeper build’ floating around the TikTok comment section, you’re probably wondering what it means.
While there are a few different definitions for this term, it is most commonly used as a compliment for someone with an attractive body type.
What Does A Sleeper Build Mean?
There are a few ways that people use this term on TikTok and in other corners of the internet.
Fitness And Weightlifting Enthusiasts
One popular place where the term Sleeper Build is often used is on ‘GymTok’, or the fitness community on TikTok.
A ‘sleeper build’ in the fitness community is when someone has an unexpectedly fit body. They may often cover it up with baggy clothes or unflattering angles, leaving viewers surprised when they reveal their actual body.
It may also be someone who looks like they would be young or inexperienced in the gym, only to reveal that they have massive muscles.
This could be someone who appears to be skinny or lean and only looks muscular when flexing.
Fitness enthusiasts on TikTok tend to play into this trend of the ‘sleeper build’. They will cover up their muscles with baggy sweatshirts and then roll up their sleeves to reveal giant biceps.
Curvy Body Types
You may also see this phrase being used in other places on TikTok and around the internet.
TikTok commenters have also used this term to refer to someone who has a curvy body but hides it under baggy clothing.
For example, if a girl who is often wearing oversized clothing reveals her hourglass figure, many commenters will say that she has a sleeper build.
Computer Parts
Before this term was used to reference body types, it was often used in the PC world. A sleeper PC build was a computer that appeared to be old or dated, but had brand new parts on the inside.
These computers would be made with older looking cases but contained brand new internal parts and ran on modern operating systems.
Car Parts
Similarly to the computer parts definition, a sleeper build car is one that appears to be older but has modern parts under the hood.
This phrase was often used in car communities when the exterior of a car was very old but the mechanical components were modern or enhanced.
How Do You Get A Sleeper Build?
Now that you know what a sleeper physique is, you’re probably wondering how you can achieve it for yourself.
Generally, the rules for getting a sleeper build are the same as achieving any muscular physique. You’ll want to:
- Lift weights and do light cardio
- Eat lots of protein
- Drink plenty of water
If you’re starting from a place of being too lean or skinny, you’ll definitely need to increase your calorie consumption. If you have excess fat on your body, try to focus on being in a slight deficit.
Remember not to go too crazy with your calorie adjustments. Above all else, it’s important that you’re eating enough to fuel your brain and body.
Where Did The Term Sleeper Build Originate?
While the term sleeper build is now predominantly used on the bodybuilding community, it was once a term used primarily in the PC and car worlds.
It referred to a computer or car that appeared to be older but contained modern mechanical components on the inside.
As of 2022, the weightlifting community co-opted this phrase to refer to someone who appears weak or unfit, but secretly has strong muscles once flexed or revealed.
The first instance we could find of this phrase being used to reference aesthetics comes from a Russian TikToker named @saifiev. This TikToker often posted videos of himself flexing in an elevator to show off his unassuming physique.
Here is one of his videos that pushed this phrase into popularity on ‘GymTok’:
@saifiev Just seemed
♬ Space Song – Beach House
This video currently sits at 75 million views on TikTok, making it an extremely popular example of a sleeper build.
What Are Some Examples Of Sleeper Builds?
Are you still not totally sure what a sleeper build means? Here are some examples from TikTok so you can get a better idea of what this looks like:
@darlaeliza undercover muscle mommy
♬ original sound – Alli Jo
@laurenz.thies #sleeperbuild #wegojim #esn #gymtok #viral #fypシ ♬ original sound – Legless Games
@emmalanyi you’d never know #fyp @dfyne.official ♬ I AM HIM. – DANIELTHEESAN
@jjjeeessiiiccaaa nah b im frickin huge bruh #gym #fitness #sleeperbuild ♬ Reduce Your Expectations to 0 – 💙🪐Lucy🪐💙
Hopefully these examples gave you a better idea of what it means to have a ‘sleeper build’ body type.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, a sleeper build is basically just a term that means you secretly have a good body.
If you have to flex in order for people to know you lift weights, you probably have this body type. People will also refer to someone’s body as a sleeper build if they are often covering up with baggy clothing.
Now that you know what this phrase means, it’s important that we emphasize that it’s never appropriate to leave unsolicited comments about someone’s body.
While the term sleeper build may not have negative intentions, it can still be misconstrued or taken out of context.
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