TikTok’s rapid-fire content cycles and viral trends have reshaped the way we talk, introducing fresh expressions into everyday conversation almost overnight.
From dance challenge catchphrases to reaction sounds, these terms often spread beyond the app into texts, tweets, and real-life banter.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 17 viral TikTok phrases that transcended the platform and became part of our daily slang, detailing each phrase’s meaning, origin, how it’s used, and offering Slangwise Tips to wield them authentically.
Slangwise Tip: When using TikTok-born slang in conversation, consider your audience’s familiarity, drop in one or two phrases naturally rather than a glossary at once.
In a Nutshell
- In short, the 17 trendiest TikTok slangs that has become our everyday use are: It’s Giving, No Bones Day, Periodt,CEO of, Sheesh, IYKYK, It’s the for me, Big Yikes, Hits Different, Spread Thin (No Bones variant), That’s on periodt, Drip, No Cap, Rizz, Bet, Ratio, GOATED.
- TikTok phrases often originate from sound clips, memes, or dance challenges.
- Many have roots in AAVE, drag culture, or earlier internet slang.
- Authentic deployment hinges on context, tone, and sparing usage.
- These 17 expressions span affirmations, reactions, and playful teases.
TikTok Slangs That Became Everyday Use
1. It’s Giving
Meaning: It’s Giving conveys the vibe or energy something projects. Often followed by a noun: “It’s giving boss energy.”
Origin: Popularized in Reddit drag and fashion forums in early 2020, then exploded on TikTok styling videos.
Usage:
- Fashion: “Her neon jacket? It’s giving ‘90s rave.”
- Behavior: “That pep talk is giving CEO level.”
Slangwise Tip: Use “it’s giving” to describe atmospheres or aesthetics, pair with vivid imagery for clarity.
2. No Bones Day
Meaning: A no bones day is considered day to rest or take it easy; low-energy mood endorsed.
Origin: January 2021 videos of Noodle the pug (TikTok @ajgrazi) determining daily vibes by standing (“Bones Day”) or flopping (“No Bones Day”).
Usage:
- Self-Care: “Feeling exhausted definitely a No Bones Day.”
- Work: “Meetings all morning sadly, a No Bones Day for productivity.”
Slangwise Tip: Announce your No Bones Day on social media to normalize rest and inspire others.
3. Periodt
Meaning: An emphatic “period”, denotes finality and confidence.
Origin: Ball culture and drag scenes of the ’90s–2000s; meme adoption on Tumblr and TikTok circa 2020.
Usage:
- Opinions: “Best comfort food? Mac ’n’ cheese, periodt.”
- Boundaries: “You’ll respect my time, periodt.”
Slangwise Tip: Drop “periodt” at the very end, don’t tack on extra qualifiers after it.
4. CEO of
Meaning: The CEO of is considered the best or undisputed authority in a niche.
Origin: Twitter memes in 2018; TikTok adoption in 2020 with skill videos.
Usage:
- Cooking: “She’s the CEO of one-pan meals.”
- Organization: “He’s the CEO of color-coded planners.”
Slangwise Tip: Qualify your “CEO of” claim with a quick example to underscore credibility.
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5. Sheesh
Meaning: Sheesh si an exclamation of admiration, awe, or playful disbelief.
Origin: Exclamation dating back decades, revived on TikTok mid-2020 with finger-under-chin gesture.
Usage:
- Skills: “That freestyle rap? Sheesh!” (chin gesture)
- Surprises: “You scored front-row tickets? Sheesh!”
Slangwise Tip: Pair “sheesh” with the signature gesture for visual impact in video contexts.
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6. IYKYK
Meaning: “If You Know, You Know”, inside jokes or references meant for a select audience.
Origin: Early internet forums in the 2000s; TikTok and Twitter popularized abbreviation by 2021.
Usage:
- Nostalgia: “Remember the old Vine days… IYKYK.”
- Local hotspots: “That late-night taco truck… IYKYK.”
Slangwise Tip: Invite newcomers to ask for context, “IYKYK, hit me for deets!”, to stay inclusive.
7. It’s the for me
Meaning: Spotlights a standout feature, positive or negative.
Origin: TikTok memes in 2021; possibly riffing on African American Vernacular English emphasis patterns.
Usage:
- Compliment: “It’s the generosity for me.”
- Critique: “It’s the messiness for me.”
Slangwise Tip: Use it to highlight one element, avoid stacking too many “for me” clauses in a row.
8. Big Yikes
Meaning: Stronger form of “yikes” signaling secondhand embarrassment or huge cringe.
Origin: TikTok and Twitch chat slang around 2020–2021.
Usage:
- Fails: “He forgot his own birthday, big yikes.”
- Scandals: “Phantom cancel culture… big yikes.”
Slangwise Tip: Save “big yikes” for truly cringeworthy moments to maintain its punch.
9. Hits Different
Meaning: Something resonates more deeply or uniquely.
Origin: TikTok sound memes in 2022, expressing emotional reactions to media.
Usage:
- Songs: “That acoustic version hits different at midnight.”
- Seasons: “Snow in July? Hits different.”
Slangwise Tip: Use “hits different” for moments that defy expectations or evoke strong feelings.
10. Spread Thin (No Bones variant)
Meaning: Feeling overwhelmed by too many commitments; variant of No Bones concept.
Origin: Offshoot of No Bones Day on TikTok in early 2021.
Usage:
- Workload: “Four deadlines and a dentist appointment, spread thin.”
- Social: “Every weekend booked, spread thin mode.”
Slangwise Tip: Acknowledge limits: “I’m spread thin, so gentle on my inbox, please.”
11. That’s on periodt
Meaning: Double emphasis on “periodt”, utterly final.
Origin: Compound of “periodt” intensifier on TikTok circa 2021.
Usage:
- Strong Agreement: “We need universal healthcare. That’s on periodt.”
- Personal Creed: “Self-love is non-negotiable, that’s on periodt.”
Slangwise Tip: Stir clarity: use “that’s on periodt” when making core-value statements.
12. Drip
Meaning: Stylish outfit or impeccable fashion sense.
Origin: 2010s AAVE from hip-hop lyrics; #DripCheck took off on TikTok fashion videos.
Usage:
- OOTD: “Check out her drip!”
- Accessories: “That gold chain is serious drip.”
Slangwise Tip: Use #DripCheck in fashion posts to join TikTok style communities.
13. No Cap
Meaning: “No lie,” “seriously,” or “for real.” Used to emphasize honesty.
Origin: Southern U.S. hip-hop (“capping” = lying) adopted by TikTok in 2020 through dance-audio memes.
Usage:
- Assertion: “That movie was a masterpiece, no cap.”
- Challenge: “You think you can beat me? No cap?”
Slangwise Tip: Precede your boldest claims with “no cap” to bolster credibility, then follow through!
14. Rizz
Meaning: Charisma or charm, especially romantic flair.
Origin: Coined by Twitch streamers in late 2022; popularized on TikTok “rizz tutorials” for pickup lines.
Usage:
- Compliment: “He’s got major rizz, she agreed to his coffee invite.”
- Self-deprecating: “My rizz is on vacation today.”
Slangwise Tip: Use “rizz” sparingly, too much “rizz flexing” can come off as try-hard.
15. Bet
Meaning: “Sure,” “okay,” or “challenge accepted.” A versatile affirmative.
Origin: AAVE, long present in hip-hop, surged on TikTok by 2021 in reaction videos.
Usage:
- Agreement: “Let’s start at 8.” “Bet.”
- Dare: “I bet you can’t eat that whole cake.” “Bet.”
Slangwise Tip: Matched with an emoji (🤝) in text, “bet” conveys enthusiasm and acceptance.
16. Ratio
Meaning: When replies to a post outnumber likes, indicating disagreement or “ratioed.”
Origin: Twitter meme circa 2015; TikTokers now comment “ratio” under unpopular takes.
Usage:
- Call-out: “He tweeted that and got 500 replies vs. 10 likes, ratio.”
- Warning: “Don’t ratio me, I know my facts.”
Slangwise Tip: Label obvious missteps with “ratio” to join viral critique culture, but use it judiciously.
17. GOATED
Meaning: “Greatest Of All Time” (G.O.A.T.) turned verb/adjective meaning “excellent.”
Origin: Sports commentary 1990s; TikTok revived “goated” in 2021, tagging top skills and achievements.
Usage:
- Praise: “Her mix tape is absolute fire, goated.”
- Self-affirmation: “I aced that exam, feeling goated.”
Slangwise Tip: Reserve “goated” for genuinely standout performances to keep it meaningful.
Concluding Thought
TikTok’s dynamism continually injects fresh expressions into everyday speech. From “It’s Giving” to “CEO of” and the cozy validation of “No Bones Day,” these 17 phrases reflect how digital communities shape language.
By understanding their meanings, origins, and usage, you can join conversations authentically, respecting roots and norms while staying ahead in the ever-evolving slang landscape.
Whether you’re declaring the ultimate drip, marking a rest day, or simply “ending it” with periodt, these TikTok-born terms offer both fun and emotional nuance, ready to deploy in your next chat or post.