Do you know the definition of the abbreviation YOLO? This guide will provide you with its definition, usage, examples, and more!
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Kevin
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February 5, 2022
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What Does YOLO Usually Stand For?
The term YOLO is an internet slang term that stands for you only live once. Teens often use this phrase to justify reckless behavior or an action in which there is an inherent risk. Young people often use YOLO as a rationale for their actions.
You’ll find this term frequently across the internet, especially on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram.
How Can the Term YOLO Be Used in a Sentence?
YOLO can be used in many different casual contexts. However, make sure you use this acronym in the appropriate setting.
Like all slang terms, you can only use YOLO in informal settings. It is perfectly fine to use the term YOLO on social media, in a casual text message to a friend, or other informal settings. However, it is highly inappropriate to use a phrase like this in a professional or formal environment.
Take a look at the below sentences to get a sense of how to use the term YOLO.
In This First Example, Teenagers Sean and Macy Discuss Some Last-Minute Plans
Sean: Should we make a last-minute trip from Florida to California on a school night? Probably not, but YOLO!
Macy: Absolutely not! This risky behavior is going to get us in major trouble, and I’m trying to graduate in January!
In This Next Example, a Few Peers Convince College Student Sammy To Abandon Her Homework for More Fun Plans.
June: Sammy, we’re going to go get tattoos! Come with us!
Sammy: I have way too much homework. Plus, you’ll regret getting that tattoo. It’s just a trend. I’m going to stay here and work on the balcony.
June: Come on, Sammy! Live life! Be in the present moment! #YOLO!
Sammy: People only say YOLO before doing some reckless behavior. I’ll pass.
What Is the Origin of the Term YOLO?
Know Your Meme states that the earliest known usage of YOLO is from the NBC reality show The Average Joe in the year 2004. The term was popularized by Adam Mesh from the show’s third season, who launched a YOLO clothing line in March of 2004.
YOLO Evolves
This phrase was also famously used on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? by cheating contestant Charles Ingram. From there, usage of the phrase spread. It was first published on Urban Dictionary in 2004 as well. From there, the term became an internet sensation.
Drake Uses YOLO in a Song
The term was famously used in “The Motto” by Canadian Rapper Drake ft. Lil Wayne, a hit 2011 hip hop single. The phrase appears in the line: “Now she want a photo, you already know, though / You only live once: that’s the motto n*gga, YOLO.”
When Drake made a tweet containing the phrase in 2011, YOLO continued to spread across Twitter and other forms of social media. It hit its maximum popularity with help from numerous YOLO memes. The slang term YOLO was also used in a 2013 comedy song of the same name by The Lonely Island featuring Adam Levine and Kendrick Lamar.
What Are Other Slang Abbreviations?
There are numerous other slang abbreviations you might see on the internet or in a text message. Many of these terms began on places like AIM or in the early 2000s texting because there was a character limit. They have stuck around due to convenience.
FOMO
One slang term that is related to the term YOLO is FOMO. FOMO stands for fear of missing out. This term is often used to refer to a person who will go to any event because they are afraid of missing out on something fun. Consequently, they spread themselves far too thin and end up not really enjoying any of the events they are going to.
FOMO and YOLO
How can FOMO lead to a YOLO attitude? Well, if someone fears missing out, they might attend reckless events or make foolish decisionws because they are afraid of not having fun.
On the flip side, someone who has a YOLO philosophy for life will probably have their fair share of FOMO. Both YOLO and FOMO beget one another and can be a dangerous combination.
Other Online Slang Terms
There are also many other slang terms you have surely seen on the internet or in text messaging. There is LOL, which stands for laughing out loud, OMG, which stands for oh my God, and BRB, which stands for be right back, along with many others
What Else Can the Abbreviation YOLO Stand For?
The acronym YOLO doesn’t only stand for “you only live once.” It actually has many different other potential meanings. You never know which one a person might use!
If you are planning to use the acronym YOLO or hear someone else use YOLO in a conversation, make sure that you clarify its meaning. Below are a few different possible meanings of the abbreviation YOLO from The Free Dictionary.
- You Only Like Oreos
- You Only Leave Once
- You Only Love Owls
- You’re Only Loved Online
- You Only Lifted Once
- You Only Laugh Once
- Youth Obeying Lucifer’s Orders
- You Only Live Online
- You Only Like Oranges
- You Obviously Like Oatmeal (gaming)
- You Obviously Love Oreos
- You Obviously Love Octavia
- You Only Love Oreos
- You Obviously Love One Direction
- You Oughta Love Orangutans
- You Oughta Look Out
- You Only Log On
- You’re Only Lesbian Online
- You Only Love Once (album)
- Yell Out Loud Obnoxiously
- You Obviously Lack Originality
Conclusion
The abbreviation YOLO stands for you only live once. Teenagers and young people often use this term to justify reckless behavior or foolish decisions. The acronym is commonly seen on the internet and in text messages.
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