What the Freak Is Up with Fragging?

Daniel Gordon

In the ever-evolving world of high school, where first impressions can make or break a teenage boy’s status, a new trend has emerged: fragging or smell-maxxing. “Smell-maxxing” is a term used to describe the practice of using fragrances to enhance one’s scent. Boys throughout the Emery/Weiner campus have been turning their attention to fragrances, recognizing that one’s personal scent can play a pivotal role in confidence and attraction. 

Teenage boys nationwide are experimenting with perfumes and colognes in hopes of finding the signature scent that sets them apart from the rest. Emery/Weiner senior Daniel Gordon states: “It’s not just about finding the right clothes anymore, especially since we have a uniform. Having an amazing scent changes how people can perceive you.” 

The rise of social media has amplified this growth of fragging. Influencers like Jeremy Fragrance use TikTok and Instagram alike to showcase their variety of fragrances, sharing tips on layering scents and selecting the perfect fragrance for any event. Inspired by these videos, many students rush to stores or online to curate their own aroma array. The growth of smell-maxing also comes from brands capitalizing on the media trend, targeting ads toward teenagers with playful marketing and affordable prices. 

However, not everyone is enticed by the fragrance trend. Many students have begun to express their hatred for the overwhelming clouds of cologne that often fill the hallways. “I hate the smell of cologne from everyone, but especially the freshman; most of them need to watch how much they spray,” states junior Emily Newman, highlighting a common stigma among students who feel the excessive use of fragrances can be off-putting and are usually by underclassmen. 

 As the school year progresses, the lingering scent in the upper school hallways and commons should be a constant reminder of finding yourself in new trends and the influence that the media has today. While to some, smell-maxxing may seem juvenile, to others, it is a form of self-expression that provides a safe haven for trying new things. For better or for worse, fragging is becoming a defining piece of a teenage boy’s identity today.