Wordxplr

The meaning and origin of interesting English phrases

Yeet

Meaning

To throw something with great force, or to exclaim with enthusiasm while performing an energetic action.

Origin

The word 'yeet' burst onto the internet scene in 2014, thanks to a viral Vine video featuring a distinctive dance. A user named Lil Meatball showcased a powerful, throwing-like motion while repeatedly shouting 'Yeet!' This energetic performance quickly became a meme, spreading like wildfire across social media platforms. While the specific dance faded, the word itself took on a life of its own, evolving first into a verb meaning 'to throw with significant force,' and then into a versatile interjection used to express excitement, approval, or triumph, particularly when accompanying an energetic action or a successfully launched object.

Examples

  • He decided to yeet the crumpled paper ball into the waste bin from across the room.
  • When she finally aced the difficult trick, she let out a triumphant 'Yeet!'
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