Taylor Swift Fans Baffled By Strange Pen-Holding Habit Spotted In Throwback Video — And She Still Does It Today

Taylor Swift is one of the most closely followed celebrities in the world, with fans who track nearly every aspect of her life, from her favorite foods to the color of her nail polish. However, even the most dedicated Swifties were recently stunned by a tiny, long-overlooked detail that only surfaced thanks to a resurfaced throwback video from early in her career.

The clip, which dates back to 2006, features a 16-year-old Swift discussing her life as a high school sophomore in Hendersonville, Tennessee, while dreaming of making it big as a songwriter. Now 35, Swift has more than fulfilled that dream, but fans are focused on something else entirely: the way she holds her pen.

In the old interview, Swift opens up about her songwriting process, her friendships, and how music often comes to her in everyday moments.

“Usually when I'm at school, a song will just pop into my head,” she said. “Sitting there in class and getting a melody and lyrics just coming to you. I'll pull out my cell phone and make a voice memo, and people think I'm crazy talking to myself. I feel something; I filter it into a song.”

She also spoke warmly about the people closest to her, saying: “When I'm not working, I'm with them. They know all the words to my songs. They really just support me as a person and as an artist. They're all just beautiful to me, and I love them.”

But it wasn’t Swift’s words that caught fans off guard. It was the way she gripped her pen—an unconventional style that doesn’t quite follow the textbook “thumb and index finger” method most people are taught.

Few celebrities inspire the level of passionate devotion from their fans quite like Taylor Swift.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Instead, Swift appears to pinch the pen between her middle and index fingers, a grip that many viewers found difficult to ignore. Once spotted, it became the focal point of the clip.

“What an odd way to hold a pencil,” one Reddit user wrote. Another commented: “The way she holds that blue pencil is crazy.” Someone else asked bluntly, “Who the f**k writes like that!?” while another chimed in, “I just want to know who taught her to hold a pencil/pen.” A fifth added: “Omg, I was thinking the same thing! What an awkward way to hold a pen.”

Child development experts note that young people often emulate their idols, adopting habits and mannerisms as a form of social learning. Dr. Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, emphasizes the importance of role models in shaping self-perception and confidence. Her research indicates that observing successful figures can inspire positive behavioral changes in adolescents.

To leverage this, parents and mentors should engage in conversations that help young people critically evaluate their influences. Encouraging them to reflect on what they admire about figures like Taylor Swift can boost self-awareness and foster healthier developmental trajectories.

People were quick to point out how the singer holds her pen while writing

YouTube

Remarkably, this isn’t just a teenage quirk she outgrew. Fans quickly noticed that Swift still holds her pen in the same unusual way, even appearing to do so in her Anti-Hero music video. The detail, now going viral among fans, has become something of a charming oddity in her public image.

So, is there a medical reason behind this unique writing style?

According to Cheryl Crow, an occupational therapist who has shared her insights on TikTok, there are typically two main explanations for the grip Swift uses.

“This grasp that she uses, there are two main reasons people might use that, typically,” Crow told Slate. “One is that they’re hypermobile, or their joints move too much. The other is hand pain, or rheumatoid arthritis, specifically.”

However, Crow was quick to dismiss the more serious cause. She doubts Swift's writing style is due to any form of arthritis or pain, leaving hypermobility as a more likely possibility—or perhaps it's simply a personal habit that stuck.

Swift still holds her pen in the same way

Republic Records

The Psychology of Fandom

Fandom can play a significant role in shaping identity and social belonging, as noted by Dr. Karen North, a social media psychologist at the University of Southern California. She emphasizes how passionate devotion to celebrities, like Taylor Swift, often fulfills emotional needs for connection and community among fans.

In her research, Dr. North highlights that such fandoms can foster positive group dynamics and even lead to support networks, especially during challenging life transitions. By engaging in discussions about the artist’s life, fans develop a shared narrative that strengthens their bond with each other.

Whatever the reason, it clearly hasn’t affected her craft. With dozens of hit songs and record-breaking albums to her name, Swift’s pen-holding posture might be unconventional, but her songwriting remains as sharp as ever.

Behavioral Analysis & Pathways Forward

In conclusion, the intricate relationship between celebrities and their fans sheds light on broader psychological phenomena. As American Psychological Association studies indicate, these connections can significantly influence emotional well-being and personal identity.

Moreover, by understanding the dynamics of fandom, we can cultivate supportive environments where individuals feel empowered to explore their identities. Encouraging open dialogue about the impact of such influences can lead to healthier self-concepts and social interactions, ultimately enriching personal growth and community ties.