Social media can be both a beautiful and utterly strange place. Every day new words and abbreviations are their own kind of cultural memes that go viral just as quickly as the trendiest videos. With over a billion users worldwide, TikTok is the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of new expressions. Here’s a guide to the most popular slang terms on TikTok.
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What does ‘AS’ mean on TikTok?
“AS” refers to Adult Swim, the adult-focused nighttime programming block, and to a growing trend on TikTok where users create their own variations of its classic commercial break bumpers. You may remember from watching the channel that these bumpers often feature footage of a random place with chill beats in the background. Dan, the iconic [Adult Swim] logo would appear at the end.
Surprisingly, this was not a marketing campaign started by Adult Swim. TikTok users started the trend as a fun, creative and nostalgic exercise. However, Adult Swim responded to the trend on its official TikTok account, posting a video that read, “We’ve been talking to you for so long. Nice of you to talk to us back. Let’s keep going.”
What does ‘ASL’ mean on TikTok?
You may have thought that “ASL” refers to sign language, but you are wrong. ASL is an older Internet abbreviation for “age, gender, location.” As you can guess, it is usually used in conversations to get basic information or get to know someone better. However, the term has also taken on a new meaning as an abbreviation for “like hell.” I think it sounds a bit similar when you say it quickly, right?
What does ‘Pushin P’ mean on TikTok?
Pushing P reached the top of TikTok mainstream in January 2021, with the release of Gunna and Future’s new track “Pushin’ P.”
What’s the ‘P’ he’s pushing? Well, aside from any sexual undertones you may have suspected, the term ‘P’ can basically stand for anything positive, such as power, wealth or reaching your peak achievements. Gunna explained during an interview: “If you wake up to a view of the beach, that’s P. If you’ve spent thousands on a Rolex watch, that’s P. If you hold the door open for a lady, that’s P. Arguing with your partner about money is P. We don’t do that. We push P.”
What does ‘POV’ mean on TikTok?
On TikTok, “POV” has the same meaning as in everyday use; Point of view. ‘POV’ is used in captions to indicate when the viewer is intended to view any content from a first-person perspective. The term is often used to set up a funny reaction, following the format “POV in X situation”.
What does ‘BBL’ mean on TikTok?
Strange as it may sound, “BBL” is an acronym for a surgery called a Brazilian Butt Lift that transports fat from other parts of the body to the gluteus maximus to make it bigger. TikTok users share videos before and after the cosmetic procedure to show the results.
What does ‘MID’ mean on TikTok?
“Mid” has become a popular abbreviation for the term mediocre. TikTok users will say something is “middle” if it’s not terrible, but not super exciting either – it’s that middle ground of just good. If you’ve received a ‘middle’ comment or caption don’t feel too bad, we’re sure you have a lot of talent that they haven’t seen yet. And that is always possible block the haters if they become too aggressive.
What does ‘FYP’ mean on TikTok?
“FYP” is a term that originated on TikTok because it refers to its central hub, the For You page. The ‘FYP’ is the feed of videos that you can watch and browse when you log into the app.
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Everyone’s feed is different, which is why the page is ‘for you’. Rather than just showing you videos from people you follow, TikTiok’s algorithm delivers popular, viral, and niche videos that it thinks you’ll like based on your personal viewing habits and likes.
What does ‘IB’ mean on TikTok?
If you see the term “IB” in a TikTok video, it means the video was “inspired by” another user’s video. Usually they repeat a viral or remarkable skit or challenge. Since it’s always important to cite your sources, the creator’s @ handle is usually tagged next to the hashtag.
What does ‘Material Girl’ mean on TikTok?
Material Girl is another music-inspired TikTok trend. It started with users using the song in videos portraying someone enjoying the finer things in life or showing off their wealth. I guess you could say it’s the soundtrack to a luxury lifestyle.
What does ‘SMH’ mean on TikTok?
“SMH” represents a move you may have made while reading through this guide, “shaking your head.” TikTok users will often respond with “SMH” to videos or comments that leave them speechless or as a sign of disappointment. Unfortunately, such an experience has become so common that it deserves its own abbreviation. Need break with TikTok?
Read more: What does “ratio” mean on TikTok?
Frequently Asked Questions
The phrase “Let’s go Brandon” refers to a viral video with NASCAR Racer Brandon Brown. In the video, the crowd behind him chants “f*** Joe Biden”, but the reporter then claims the chant is “let’s go Brandon”. This was considered damage mitigation, which TikTok users jumped at, using the phrase to mock the political clumsiness.
The term ‘TikTok’ is an onomatopoeia that represents the sound of a ticking clock. This is in reference to the short span of videos on the social media platform.
As for the deeper, philosophical question, TikTok has no meaning other than to have fun, make friends and laugh.