๐What does "kicking it" mean?
Relaxing, hanging out, spending time casually. This term reflects contemporary internet culture, where language evolves rapidly through social media, memes, and digital communities.
๐กWhy people use it
This term connects speakers to their cultural and regional identity, serving as both communication tool and identity marker. Using it signals belonging to specific communities and understanding of shared cultural context.
Extended Definition
kicking it isn't just a wordโit's a cultural marker that signals belonging, understanding, and shared experience. Relaxing, hanging out, spending time casually. The term's power comes from its ability to convey layered meanings that traditional language might require multiple sentences to express.Cultural & Social Background
This term is particularly common in USA, where it has become part of the local linguistic landscape. internet culture has embraced kicking it as a way to express complex ideas quickly. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and online communities have all contributed to its spread and evolution.
Origin & Evolution
General US slang This origin story helps explain why kicking it carries the cultural weight it does today, connecting modern usage to its historical roots.
How It's Used Online
You'll commonly see kicking it used across Twitter/X posts. On these platforms, the term serves multiple purposes: it can signal in-group membership, add humor or emphasis, and create connections between users who understand its nuances. In memes, kicking it often appears as a punchline or reaction, while in comments it might be used to express agreement, surprise, or other emotions depending on context.
Tone & Variations
kicking it adapts to different communication styles. In formal writing, it's rarely used, but in casual digital communication, it's perfectly natural. The term works well in both positive and neutral contexts, though its exact tone depends on surrounding words and punctuation.
When to Use and When to Avoid
While kicking it is generally understood within its community, it can be confusing to those unfamiliar with modern slang. The term might be misinterpreted if taken literally or out of context. Avoid using kicking it in formal settings, professional communications, or with people who might not understand its meaning. When in doubt, opt for more traditional language that clearly conveys your intended message.
Extended Conversation Examples
- Scenario 2: Person A: "Did you see that new movie?" Person B: "Yeah, it was kicking it!" Here, kicking it expresses [positive/negative/neutral] reaction to the movie.
- Scenario 3: In a group chat, someone might write: "That situation was so kicking it" to describe their feelings about an event. The term helps convey complex emotions in a concise way.
- Scenario 4: On social media, you might see: "When you realize it's Monday again... kicking it" This usage shows how kicking it functions as a reaction or commentary on relatable situations.
Regional Usage & Interpretation
In the United States, this term has become part of American internet culture, though its usage might vary between different states or communities. While the core meaning of kicking it remains consistent, regional variations in pronunciation, context, or frequency of use can create subtle differences in how it's understood and employed.
Related Slang Terms
- lepak: To chill out; to relax; to lounge around (from Malay).
- drip: A personโs style or outfit, especially when it is very fashionable and expensive.
- snatched: Perfectly styled; looking flawless or well-put-together.
- take a chill pill: Calm down, relax.
- chill out: To relax; calm down.
Why This Slang Matters
kicking it represents how language evolves in the digital age. Originating from or popular in USA, this term has become part of modern communication vocabulary. kicking it demonstrates how slang terms can capture complex ideas, cultural moments, and shared experiences in just a few letters or words. Understanding terms like kicking it helps bridge generational and cultural communication gaps, making it easier to connect with diverse communities in our increasingly digital world.
๐Pronunciation
Audio pronunciation is not supported in your browser.
๐Trend Score for "kicking it"
Current Score
38
Peak Score
76
Trend
๐
Trend score based on usage, engagement, and popularity metrics
๐ฌHow to use "kicking it"
๐In a sentence
"My friend explained that "kicking it" is when Relaxing, hanging out, spending time casually.."
๐ญIn a conversation
Person A: "Did you see what happened yesterday?"
Person B: "Yeah, that was totally kicking it!"
Person A: "Right? I couldn't believe it either."
Person B: "It's the most kicking it thing I've seen all week."
๐ฑSocial media usage
Living for this kicking it energy right now ๐ฅ
๐Origin & Cultural Background
๐Region
USA
๐งฌCultural Roots
This term emerged from global internet culture, where diverse communities create and share language across borders. It reflects how digital platforms enable rapid linguistic innovation, allowing expressions to develop, mutate, and spread globally through memes, social media, and online communities.
๐Why it became viral
Spread globally as diaspora communities shared their language online, and content creators from those communities gained international audiences. The term resonated with people seeking authentic, culturally-rich expressions beyond standard English.
๐Regional Usage & Context
๐Regional Context
In USA, this term is used in informal, casual contexts among peers. It reflects local cultural values and communication patterns while connecting to global internet culture. Usage may vary slightly within the region based on age, community, and social context.
๐ฏFormality & Usage Context
This term is best used in informal, casual contexts. It creates connection with peers and signals understanding of contemporary culture, but may confuse or alienate people unfamiliar with modern slang. Always consider your audience and context when using this term.
๐จMeme Ideas for "kicking it"
Get creative with these meme template ideas featuring "kicking it". These prompts can help you create hilarious memes that capture the essence of this slang term.
Drake Pointing Meme
Drake rejecting a long explanation, pointing to "kicking it" - showing the term as the perfect way to express the idea.
Distracted Boyfriend Meme
Person looking away from old language, being distracted by "kicking it" - representing how this term replaced older expressions.
This Is Fine Dog Meme
Dog saying "This is kicking it" while everything is chaos - using the term to express resigned acceptance.
Change My Mind Meme
"If you say kicking it, you mean Relaxing, hanging out, spending time casually.. Change my mind." - expressing the term's definitive meaning.
Woman Yelling at Cat Meme
Person explaining "kicking it" means Relaxing, hanging out, spending time casually., while confused cat represents people who don't know the term yet.
๐Related Slang Terms
lepak
SingaporeTo chill out; to relax; to lounge around (from Malay)
drip
USAA personโs style or outfit, especially when it is very fashionable and expensive
snatched
USAPerfectly styled; looking flawless or well-put-together
take a chill pill
USACalm down, relax
chill out
USATo relax; calm down
basic
USAUnoriginal, mainstream, or predictable in style and tastes
hang loose
USARelax, take it easy (often associated with surf culture)
fit
USAAn outfit (short for "outfit")
kicks
USASneakers or athletic shoes
chill
USARelaxed, calm; or to hang out
More Slang You Might Like
lepak
To chill out; to relax; to lounge around (from Malay).
drip
A personโs style or outfit, especially when it is very fashionable and expensive.
snatched
Perfectly styled; looking flawless or well-put-together.
take a chill pill
Calm down, relax.
chill out
To relax; calm down.
basic
Unoriginal, mainstream, or predictable in style and tastes.
hang loose
Relax, take it easy (often associated with surf culture).
fit
An outfit (short for "outfit").
kicks
Sneakers or athletic shoes.
chill
Relaxed, calm; or to hang out.