David Bridges
Recently, my son engaged in a playful challenge with one of his friends, sparking my curiosity.
“On skibidi?” my son inquired, leaving me perplexed and slightly anxious about this unfamiliar phrase. Despite my background as a writer, where I craft thousands of words daily, I was unsure about the meaning of “on skibidi.”
This moment made me wonder: what exactly does this new slang signify?
The phrase “on skibidi” originates from the wildly popular YouTube sensation “Skibidi Toilet,” an animated series that has surprisingly inspired a range of merchandise, including toys and other products available in retail stores.
It’s astonishing to think that a series featuring animated heads emerging from toilets has evolved into a multi-million dollar industry. This marks the inception of a new wave of digital trends that are reshaping our cultural landscape.
If you, like me, find this trend a bit odd and unsettling, you might appreciate GIPHY’s latest trend report. Instead of simply listing the top GIFs for 2024, GIPHY has compiled emerging search terms within its platform, showcasing the evolving vocabulary and slang that are becoming prevalent through online interactions.
This compilation includes the term “skibidi” among other rising phrases:
You may have noticed these terms circulating on the internet, but I advise exercising caution when using them in conversation. While you might want to impress your children with your grasp of modern slang, an awkward reference to “skibidi” could quickly shatter that illusion.
It might be best to refrain from using it if you don’t fully grasp its meaning.
Additionally, GIPHY’s report highlights the increasing prevalence of certain phrases in everyday dialogue.
I suspect this surge comes from gaming personalities making comments during live streams, which have somehow transitioned into common expressions. It’s akin to using “LOL” in a face-to-face conversation.
Moreover, the report discusses other significant conversational trends, including a noticeable increase in verbosity:
The relevance of these trends to you and your brand may vary widely, but the insights provide a fascinating look at the evolving language people are using to communicate.
Perhaps there are valuable takeaways for your outreach strategies, but I urge you to approach these trends with a sense of caution.
On the topic of skibidi (I’m uncertain if I’ve used it correctly).
For a deeper dive, you can explore GIPHY’s comprehensive listing of trends here.
Maya Kensington
