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The meaning and origin of interesting English phrases

Yeet

Meaning

To throw an object with significant force, often accompanied by the exclamation of the word itself, or used as an interjection signifying excitement or approval.

Origin

Yeet burst onto the scene in the early 2010s, bubbling up from the vibrant, often chaotic world of Vine. The term first gained viral traction in a February 2014 video featuring a teenager, Lil Meatball, performing a dance with the phrase shouted over it. But it truly solidified its place in the internet lexicon shortly after, when videos emerged of people forcefully throwing objects while exclaiming 'Yeet!' This fusion of a physical action—a powerful, often reckless toss—with an enthusiastic, emphatic utterance quickly resonated, transforming 'yeet' from a dance move into a versatile expression of anything from excitement to decisive action, particularly when something is thrown with gusto.

Examples

  • He yelled 'Yeet!' as he launched the frisbee across the park, watching it sail far beyond anyone's reach.
  • I'm so tired of this old printer, I might just yeet it out the window.
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