Go ‘Goblin Mode’ This Fall for the Perfect Autumnal Aesthetic

Max Kim-Bee

When you think of goblins, you probably don’t think of a lifestyle trend—it’s more likely your mind goes to fantasy novels, video games, or even Dungeons & Dragons. But goblincore takes those fictional worlds to reality. Adopting a goblin mindset means embracing all things comfortable, messy, and indulgent in your own home and beyond, while also sharing in a community of goblin-inspired friends. We sat down with McKayla Coyle, the debut author of Goblin Mode, to hear more about what sets the goblincore mentality apart from our other favorite lifestyle trends.

Goblin Mode—Coyle’s guide to living an imperfect, cozy, nature-infused life—delves into why we’re all a little goblin-esque, plus gives tips on bringing goblin energy to your clothes, home, neighborhood, and self-care routine. It features a chapter about how to authentically connect with nature, and later details what you can learn from critters like frogs and toads. Plus, you can find out which slimy creature best reflects your personality—Coyle says they most closely align with a snake or turtle.

The term “goblin mode” took off last year, even gaining the prized spot of the Oxford English Dictionary’s 2022 word of the year. Defined by Oxford as “a type of behaviour which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations,” the term resonated with people grappling with the lifting of pandemic-era lockdowns, and the return to “normal” life. 

But goblincore, or deciding to go goblin mode, doesn’t mean being lazy or selfish at all, says Coyle.

“I don’t think it’s selfish to care for yourself, but I also don’t think that goblincore is about just doing things for yourself,” says Coyle.