While there are numerous abbreviations on the internet that make conversations faster and efficient for people, there are also many common abbreviations with which people are not familiar. One such abbreviation that is very commonly seen by people when they are chatting or texting is IYKYK. Now, if you are wondering what is IYKYK meaning , then you have nothing to worry about, as this article will tell you everything that you need to know about its meaning, origin, and usage.
Understanding the Meaning of IYKYK
Even though there are not a lot of people who know the meaning of ‘IYKYK’, it is one of the most commonly used abbreviations on the internet. The term basically refers to ‘If you know, you know’, which is used to represent shared knowledge on a particular topic or an inside message. Let’s assume that you and your friend have an inside joke, and when you wish to refer to the same, then you can use this abbreviation.
IYKYK basically means that a particular message or content that has a deeper meaning than indicated an only a specific section of the audience will understand this meaning. This acronym is used frequently by people across different social media applications like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, and usually accompanies a post that has a subtle reference or an inside joke. In the same manner, the use of this abbreviation in messages adds mystery when someone is referencing or discussing events without explaining them completely.
Origins and History of Internet Slang “IYKYK”
Now that you know the IYKYK meaning, let’s know how this term came into use. The first thing that you need to know is that the phrase ‘If you know, you know’ was used long before the abbreviation made an appearance; however, it was shortened and used for the first time around the mid-2010s.
Urban Dictionary recorded the earliest use of this term in December 2016 when a particular user used this term as a hashtag. Young teens and internet-savvy adults on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram have adopted the use of this term and use it conversationally, which has led to its popularity.
The key moment which brought this term into common use was the track “If You Know You Know”. which featured on rapper Pusha T’s album ‘Daytona’ in 2018. After 2018, the usage of this term became more common among people through its constant use on the internet.
How can you use IYKYK while chatting?
IYKYK is an acronym that works best when it is used with content that has a reference and can be easily understood by a special audience, even without a complete explanation. Whether you are sharing an inside joke, an experience, or a special meaning for a particular fandom, the use of this term can make the conversation more interesting and exciting.
The use of this abbreviation as a hashtag on TikTok has made way for a powerful community of shared experiences, as TikTok users frequently use the abbreviation to tell people about hobbies, relatable situations, or any other specific content.
Source: Radarro
