Current:Home > NewsWhat does it mean to ‘crash out’? A look at the phrase and why it’s rising in popularity -Excel Money Vision
What does it mean to ‘crash out’? A look at the phrase and why it’s rising in popularity
View
Date:2025-04-18 02:58:17
A new slang phrase is making its way around social media, specifically following the results of the 2024 presidential election.
"Crash out" has been in the Gen Alpha and Gen Z vernacular for several weeks now, but over the past few days, even more folks are using the phrase to describe how they feel about the outcome of the presidential election.
Early Wednesday morning, news broke that former President Donald Trump was re-elected for a second term in a decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. He will be sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2025.
What does 'crash out' mean?
Collins English Dictionary defines "crash out" as "to go to sleep," "to spend the night" and "to pass out." But that's not quite what people mean when using it online.
The common definition on Urban Dictionary, which is more in line with the current usage of "crash out," is "to go insane and/or do something stupid."
Another, more specific definition provided by Urban Dictionary is: "Meaning to commit an act which will result in a long prison sentence or even death. Most commonly used in NYC, though not exclusively. One who crashes out can also be called a 'crash dummy.'" And a "crash dummy," per Urban Dictionary, is someone who knowingly puts themselves in dangerous situations.
A TikToker named Jessica, who creates content under the handle @lizarragabooks, posted a video explaining the phrase.
"When you're about to crash out, that means something just made you so mad or upset you're about to make a decision that you might regret later," she said. "Some examples of crashing out, in my opinion, would be like your soccer team is losing and you just start a random fight with a guy in the stands that roots for the opposing team, without fully considering that like, you might get arrested."
Why are people using the phrase now?
In conjunction with the election, users are posting videos about being on the verge of "crashing out" because of their candidate didn't win. For example, people who are upset the results may feel an urge to "crash out" or "go crazy."
On TikTok, most "crash out" videos tied to the election are of users lip-syncing to movie and television audio of angry scenes or even crying into the camera.
In one video, a TikTok user under the handle @ada_spamzzzzz is seen lip-syncing, reenacting an angry scene, holding back her hair, shaking her head and "yelling" toward the camera. The on-screen caption reads: "Me crashing out on everyone today because of the election (I'm so sorry)."
Another video, posted by TikTok user @notshya123, depicts what appears to be two military personnel hoping on the "crash out" election reaction trend.
The caption reads: "Us crashing out because whoever wins this election is rlly (really) our new boss," with a broken heart emoji. The video depicts the content creator and a friend, in military dress, shaking their heads at the camera, kicking a chair and looking out a window somberly.
What are the origins of 'crash out'?
While the origins of "crash out" are a bit hazy, it is likely rooted in African American Vernacular English. Also known as AAVE, African American Vernacular English is a dialect of English, commonly spoken by Black Americans.
Several online sources, including The Independent and Know Your Meme, track "crash out" back to Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again. The rapper released the song, "Stepped On" in 2017, which features the lyric, "Crash out if I'm nervous."
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.
veryGood! (481)
Related
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Why Shaggy Took a Strategic Step Back From the Spotlight
- Aaron Rodgers wows Jets teammates during practice. Will he be back for Christmas Eve?
- Homelessness in America reaches record level amid rising rents and end of COVID aid
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Woman charged with stealing truck filled with 10,000 Krispy Kreme doughnuts after 2 weeks on the run in Australia
- Quaker Oats recalls granola products over concerns of salmonella contamination
- Belarus political prisoners face abuse, no medical care and isolation, former inmate says
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Simply the Best 25 Schitt's Creek Secrets Revealed
Ranking
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- A review defends police action before the Maine mass shooting. Legal experts say questions persist
- How much gerrymandering is too much? In New York, the answer could make or break Dems’ House hopes
- NFL bans Eagles security chief Dom DiSandro from sideline for rest of regular season, AP sources say
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- European diplomacy steps up calls for Gaza cease-fire
- Senators eye border deal framework as early as Sunday, though parole policy remains sticking point
- Loyer, Smith lead No. 3 Purdue past No. 1 Arizona 92-84 in NCAA showdown
Recommendation
Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
WeightWatchers launches program for users of Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs
Notre Dame spire to be crowned with new rooster, symbolizing cathedral’s resurgence
Quaker Oats recalls granola products over concerns of salmonella contamination
How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
Israel presses ahead in Gaza as errant killing of captives adds to concern about its wartime conduct
NFL winners, losers of Saturday: Bengals make big move as Vikings, Steelers stumble again
European diplomacy steps up calls for Gaza cease-fire