YOLO (aphorism)

Last updated

"YOLO" is an acronym for "you only live once". It became a popular internet slang term in 2012. [1]

Contents

It expresses the view that one should make the most of the present moment and not worry excessively about any possible consequences. [2]

Emergence of acronym

While the phrase and sentiment date back decades according to Oxford University Press, Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart and wife Caryl Orbach used the acronym to name their ranch prior to 1996, citing "[their] whole mindset at the time." [3]

Adam Mesh, a contestant on the reality TV series Average Joe, produced and sold a line of YOLO-branded clothing and accessories in the early 2000s. [4]

In 2012, the phrase was a subject of graffiti, [5] [6] [7] [8] hashtags on Twitter, [9] pranks, [10] [11] tattoos, [12] music, television shows and merchandise. [13]

The acronym was popularized by Canadian rapper Drake, who planned to release a 2011 joint mixtape titled YOLO along with American rapper Rick Ross. [14] To promote this mixtape, "YOLO" was mentioned prominently on several of their tracks such as "The Motto", released on November 29, 2011, with the aim of promoting the tape. This use is said to have elevated the word into prominence and common colloquial use. [15] In late 2012, Drake expressed a desire to obtain royalties for use of "YOLO" due to the proliferation of merchandise bearing the phrase and lyrics from his song, which have been commonly seen at stores such as Walgreens and Macy's, but he does not own a trademark on the word. [13] [16]

Hip-hop magazine Da South reported that the rapper Lecrae has deconstructed the phrase "YOLO" in his 2012 song "No Regrets". [17]

In the opening monologue of Saturday Night Live on January 19, 2014, Drake apologized about pop culture's adoption of the phrase, saying he had no idea it would become so big. [18]

A restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has held a trademark to the phrase "YOLO" in the context of the frozen yogurt business since 2010. [16] [19]

American comedy trio The Lonely Island released a 2013 song titled "YOLO", featuring Adam Levine and Kendrick Lamar, parodying the phrase and the people who use it as a lifestyle meme. The song charted in a few countries, including #60 on the Billboard Hot 100. [20]

During the January 2021 GameStop short squeeze members of Reddit's WallStreetBets—often touted their long-shot wagers against short-selling hedgefunds with the expression "YOLO". [21]

Reception

Online media including The Washington Post and The Huffington Post described YOLO in 2012 as the "newest acronym you'll love to hate" [22] and "dumb". [23] The word was criticized for its use in conjunction with reckless behavior, most notably in a Twitter post by aspiring rapper Ervin McKinness just prior to his death, caused by driving drunk at 120 mph (190 km/h): "Drunk af going 120 drifting corners #FuckIt YOLO." [24]

Related Research Articles

The term hyphy is an Oakland, California slang meaning "hyperactive". More specifically, it is an adjective describing the hip hop music and the culture associated with the Oakland area. The term was first coined by Oakland rapper Keak da Sneak.

Adam Mesh is an American entrepreneur, stock trader, television personality and author. He is the CEO and founder of The Adam Mesh Trading Group. Adam Mesh was first introduced to television audiences in the 2003 NBC show Average Joe. Mesh starred in the spin-off The Average Joe - Adam Returns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lecrae</span> American rapper, record producer, and actor from Texas

Lecrae Devaughn Moore is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record and film producer, record executive, actor, and entrepreneur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soulja Boy</span> American rapper and record producer (born 1990)

DeAndre Cortez Way, known professionally as Soulja Boy, is an American rapper and record producer from Atlanta, Georgia. He rose to prominence after his self-released 2007 debut single, "Crank That " peaked the Billboard Hot 100 for seven non-consecutive weeks. After its commercial re-release by Collipark Music, an imprint of Interscope Records, the song and its follow-up, "Soulja Girl" led to the release of his debut studio album, Souljaboytellem.com (2007). Despite unfavorable critical reception, it peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 and spawned the single "Yahhh!."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jhené Aiko</span> American R&B singer-songwriter and rapper (born 1988)

Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo is an American R&B singer-songwriter and rapper from Los Angeles, California. Aiko embarked on her musical career in 2002, as a backing vocalist and music video performer for the R&B group B2K. She was signed by their record label, The Ultimate Group that same year and was marketed as the "cousin" of B2K member Lil' Fizz to cultivate her own following, although they are not related. Her debut album, slated for a 2003 release through the label with Epic Records, was shelved due to Aiko instead further pursuing her education.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sho Baraka</span> American rapper

Amisho Baraka Lewis, better known by his stage name Sho Baraka, is an American Christian hip-hop artist and writer who has recorded both independently and as a founding member of the 116 Clique. He was originally signed to Reach Records until leaving in March 2011. He then co-founded a record label and group known as "High Society" with fellow Christian rappers JR, Swoope, and Suzy Rock. His debut album Turn My Life Up was released in November 2007. His second album Lions and Liars, was released March 2010. His third album Talented Xth was released in January 2013. His fourth album, The Narrative, was released in October 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zac Efron</span> American actor (born 1987)

Zachary David Alexander Efron is an American actor. Efron began acting professionally in the early 2000s and rose to prominence as a teen idol for his leading role as Troy Bolton in the High School Musical trilogy (2006–2008). During this time, he also starred in the musical film Hairspray (2007) and the comedy film 17 Again (2009).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boi-1da</span> Jamaican-Canadian record producer (born 1986)

Matthew Jehu Samuels, known professionally as Boi-1da is a Canadian record producer and songwriter based in Toronto, Ontario.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drake (musician)</span> Canadian rapper and singer (born 1986)

Aubrey Drake Graham, known mononymously as Drake, is a Canadian rapper, singer and actor. An influential figure in popular music, he has been credited with popularizing R&B sensibilities in hip hop artists. Gaining recognition by starring as Jimmy Brooks in the CTV teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–2008), Drake began his recording career in 2006 with the release of his debut mixtape, Room for Improvement (2006). He followed up with the mixtapes Comeback Season (2007) and So Far Gone (2009) before signing with Young Money Entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dee-1</span> American rapper from Louisiana

Dee-1 is an American rapper, author, college professor, activist, and public speaker from New Orleans, Louisiana. Dee-1 initially gained attention in 2010 after the release of his single "Jay, 50, and Weezy," which garnered over 1 million views on YouTube. Dee-1 signed to RCA Inspiration in 2013 and went fully independent in 2019. He has released 11 studio albums in his career thus far.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Motto (Drake song)</span> 2011 single by Drake

"The Motto" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake featuring American rapper Lil Wayne. It is a digital iTunes Store bonus track from Drake's second studio album Take Care. "The Motto" premiered on Power 106 on October 31, 2011. Drake released the song on his OVO blog a day later. It was first played on rhythmic top 40 radio stations on November 29, 2011 as the album's fourth single.

<i>Rich Forever</i> 2012 mixtape by Rick Ross

Rich Forever is the second mixtape by American rapper Rick Ross. It was released on January 6, 2012. It became one of the most downloaded hip hop mixtapes of all time. The mixtape spawned one commercial single, "Stay Schemin'" and features guest appearances from Diddy, 2 Chainz, Wale, John Legend, Nas, Kelly Rowland, Styles P, Birdman, Meek Mill, French Montana, Pharrell, Future, Stalley and Drake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amen (Meek Mill song)</span> 2012 song by Meek Mill featuring Drake

"Amen" is a song by American rapper Meek Mill from his debut studio album, Dreams and Nightmares (2012). Featuring Canadian rapper Drake, the song includes background vocals from Jeremih. It was produced by Key Wane and Jahlil Beats, with the first serving as a songwriter alongside the vocalists. Due to the interpolation of the Doobie Brothers' "Minute by Minute", written by Lester Abrams and Michael McDonald, they also received songwriting credits. The song was thought of by Key Wane in New York's Times Square, after he prayed when experiencing failure. On June 19, 2012, it was released for digital download and streaming as the album's lead single by Maybach Music Group and Warner Bros. Records. At the time of release, Philadelphia reverend Jomo K. Johnson encouraged boycotting the song over alleged usage of the church for sinful activities, leading to the two debating publicly on Hot 107.9. Mill eventually apologized for any offense and Johnson called off the boycott, forgiving him. A hip hop number with pop and R&B elements, the song relies on a gospel beat, with lyrics focused on sexual exploitation and wealth.

<i>Church Clothes</i> 2012 mixtape by Lecrae

Church Clothes is the first mixtape by Christian hip hop artist Lecrae, released for free on May 10, 2012, and hosted by DJ Don Cannon. It featured No Malice of Clipse on the song "Darkest Hour", and included production work by 9th Wonder, Boi-1da, S1 and Street Symphony. Label-mates Tedashii and Andy Mineo, as well as other fellow Christian hip-hop artists such as Dre Murray, Thi'sl, Swoope, Christon Gray, and Braille, also made appearances on the album. The mixtape was downloaded 100,000 times in 48 hours, and met with critical acclaim. It received controversy in Christian media upon its release due to its condemnation of hypocrisy in the Christian Church and Lecrae's collaboration with the mainstream producer Don Cannon. A shorter, remastered EP version was released on iTunes on June 25, 2012. The EP debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Christian Albums and Gospel Albums charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chief Keef</span> American rapper (born 1995)

Keith Farrelle Cozart, better known by his stage name Chief Keef, is an American rapper and record producer. Born and raised in Chicago's South Side, he began his recording career as a teenager and initially garnered regional attention and praise for his mixtapes in the early 2010s. Cozart is often credited with popularizing the hip hop subgenre drill for mainstream audiences, and is considered a progenitor of the genre. Stereogum has referred to Cozart as a "modern rap folk hero".

<i>Gravity</i> (Lecrae album) Album by Lecrae

Gravity is the sixth studio album by American Christian hip hop artist Lecrae, released on September 4, 2012. The album features appearances from Big K.R.I.T., Mathai, Ashthon Jones, Sho Baraka and Mali Music, along with labelmates Trip Lee, Andy Mineo, Derek Minor, who was formerly known as PRo, and Tedashii. Producers on the album include DJ Khalil, Street Symphony's Heat Academy, and The Watchmen. The first single off the album, "I Know", was released on July 24, 2012, and was followed by "Tell the World" featuring Mali Music on August 15, 2012, and "Mayday" featuring Big K.R.I.T. and Ashthon Jones on August 30, 2012. Reach Records released five music videos for the album: "Lord Have Mercy", featuring Tedashii along with No Malice of Clipse, on August 1, 2012, "Tell the World", featuring Mali Music, on October 19, 2012, "Mayday", featuring Big K.R.I.T. and Ashthon Jones, on December 13, 2012, "Fakin'", featuring Thi'sl, on February 1, 2013, and "Confe$$ions", featuring David Banner, on April 30, 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">YOLO (The Lonely Island song)</span> 2013 single by The Lonely Island featuring Adam Levine and Kendrick Lamar

"YOLO" is a song by American comedy troupe The Lonely Island featuring American singer Adam Levine of Maroon 5 and American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from the former's third studio album The Wack Album. The song was released as the lead single from the album on January 25, 2013, worldwide outside North America. The single premiered in North America on Saturday Night Live on January 26, and released as a single the following day.

<i>Church Clothes 2</i> 2013 mixtape by Lecrae

Church Clothes 2, officially Church Clothes, Vol. 2, is the second mixtape by Christian hip hop artist Lecrae, released on November 7, 2013 by Reach Records. Hosted by Don Cannon, it follows Lecrae's previous mixtape, Church Clothes, and Grammy Award-winning full-length album Gravity, both of which came out in 2012. Two versions of the album were released, a free version with host Don Cannon, and a commercial version off iTunes without the DJ. The first single off the album, "Round of Applause", was released on May 14, 2013. On May 21, a remixed version of the song, featuring rapper B.o.B, was released. A second single off the album, "I'm Turnt", dropped on October 18, 2013. The mixtape was downloaded over 100,000 times on DatPiff.com in the first two weeks and debuted at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 chart, No. 1 on the Top Christian and Gospel charts, and No. 3 on the Top Rap chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Versace (song)</span> 2013 single by Migos

"Versace" is the debut single by American hip hop group Migos. It was released in July 2013, by Quality Control Music. The track, which was included on their mixtape Y.R.N. (2013), was produced by Zaytoven. Following a remix by Canadian rapper Drake, the song became popular and peaked at number 99 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Drake performed it at the 2013 iHeartRadio Music Festival. The song is ranked as one of the 100 songs that defined the 2010s decade by Billboard.

References

  1. Roberts, Soraya (December 16, 2011). "Zac Efron Adopts Drake's 'YOLO' Motto, as Does Souljaboy". Yahoo! OMG! CA. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  2. "Wiktionary".
  3. Bereznak, Alyssa (5 February 2013). "An Oral History of YOLO, the Word That Lived Too Long". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on 14 February 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  4. Bereznak, Alyssa (5 February 2013). "An Oral History of YOLO, the Word That Lived Too Long". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 2021-02-23.
  5. Swanson, Mirjam (May 18, 2012). "Track and Field: Mitchells making most of it". Press-Enterprise. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
  6. Dye, Kevin. "Class of 2012 calls it a year". The Madison Press. Archived from the original on June 8, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2013.
  7. Express-Times File Photo (2012-05-29). "Clinton Police: Two Men Spray-Paint Profanity, 'YOLO' on Town Structures". Lehigh Valley. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
  8. "Middle School Boys Accused of Spray-Painting Homes, Destroying Water Fountain". 10tv.com. May 31, 2012. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
  9. "Parents, Students: Hoffman Estates School Overreacted To Senior Prank". CBS Chicago. June 1, 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
  10. Wright, Sharon (June 1, 2012). "Student Arrested Following Conant High School Senior Prank". NBC Chicago. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
  11. "Students Lose Prom, Graduation Privileges After Senior Prank". DailyHerald.com. January 6, 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
  12. "Zac Efron Tat-Tat-Tatted Up!". 2011-12-16. Archived from the original on 2015-07-11. Retrieved 2012-06-02.
  13. 1 2 Diep, Eric (December 5, 2012). "Drake Wants Royalties for "YOLO"". XXL Magazine. Retrieved March 3, 2013.
  14. "Drake Won't Name Rick Ross Mixtape "YOLO," Calls Phrase "Epidemic"". Fuse. June 12, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  15. Roberts, Soraya (December 16, 2011). "Zac Efron Adopts Drake's 'YOLO' Motto, as Does Souljaboy". Yahoo! OMG! CA. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  16. 1 2 Burns, Ashley (January 6, 2013). "We Have Some Bad News For Drake Regarding The YOLO Wars". Uproxx.com. Retrieved March 3, 2013.
  17. Hill, Kellus (May 14, 2012). "Lecrae - Church Clothes: DaSouth.com". Da South. Archived from the original on May 24, 2013. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  18. Hosted by Drake, SNL. "Drake's SNL Intro". Gossip Cop. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  19. "YOLO". USPTO.report. Retrieved Jan 9, 2020.
  20. "YOLO (feat. Adam Levine & Kendrick Lamar) – Single". iTunes. January 27, 2013. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
  21. Pellejero, Sebastian; Quiroz-Gutierrez, Marco (2021-01-26). "MARKETS BlackBerry, AMC and Other Reddit YOLO Favorites That Aren't GameStop". The Wall Street Journal . Retrieved 2021-01-28.
  22. Judkis, Maura (April 6, 2012). "#YOLO: The Newest Acronym You'll Love to Hate". Washington Post Style Blog. Archived from the original on October 10, 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
  23. Walsh, Megan (May 17, 2012). "YOLO: The Evolution of the Acronym". Huffington Post. The Black Sheep Online.
  24. Lupkin, Sydney (December 21, 2012). "Young Adults Tweet #YOLO When They Don't Study, Get Drunk or Drive Too Fast". ABC News. Retrieved December 29, 2012.