This term describes a specific aesthetic and theme often associated with the Halloween season, characterized by high-energy, potentially dangerous, and unhinged imagery. It evokes a sense of chaotic revelry and suggests a departure from traditional, lighthearted Halloween themes towards something more intense and unsettling.
The popularity of this particular thematic element reflects a growing interest in darker and more extreme expressions of the holiday’s potential. It can serve as a means of exploring transgressive themes, challenging societal norms, and providing an outlet for expressing fear and anxiety in a controlled, theatrical setting. Its historical context can be traced to the broader evolution of Halloween from harvest festival to a celebration embracing elements of the macabre.