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YOLO (aphorism)

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YOLO is an acronym for "you only live once". Similar to carpe diem, it implies that one should enjoy life, even if that entails taking risks. The phrase and acronym are used in youth culture and music. The phrase and acronym were popularized by the song "The Motto" by Canadian rapper Drake.

Background

The phrase "you only live once" is commonly attributed to Mae West, but variations of the phrase have been in use for over 100 years, including as far back as (the German equivalent of) "one lives but once in the world" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in his 1774 play Clavigo and as the title of a waltz, "Man lebt nur einmal!" ("You Only Live Once!") by Johann Strauss II in 1855.

A restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida has held the trademark to the phrase "YOLO" since 2010.

Use in music

The word was popularized by rappers Drake and Rick Ross, who planned to name a joint mixtape YOLO. To promote this mixtape, "Yolo" was mentioned prominently on several of their tracks such as "The Motto", with the aim of promoting the tape. This use has elevated the word into prominence and common colloquial use. Recently Drake claimed to want royalties for the amount of merchandise with the phrase and lyrics from his song seen at stores like Walgreens and Macys.

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

In youth culture

The phrase has achieved currency in youth culture. For example, a high school prank in Chicago, Illinois involved high school students chanting "YOLO". Some people have grafittied YOLO on walls. It has become a popular Twitter hashtag. Some youth have said that it is their motto, and actor Zac Efron has a tattoo with the acronym. The phrase and acronym are used in merchandise worn by teenagers such as hats and t-shirts.

Criticism

Online media including the Washington Post and the Huffington Post describe YOLO as the "newest acronym you'll love to hate" and "dumb". The word has been 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 that described driving drunk at 120 mph (190 kph): "Drunk af going 120 drifting corners #F***It YOLO."

The term can be used in an ironic and mocking voice highlighting common sense in daily activities (e.g. "Buckle up #yolo")

See also

References

  1. Dangerous Women: The Guide to Modern Life. Retrieved August 4, 2012. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |authors= ignored (help)
  2. "Mae West Quotes". BrainyQuote. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  3. "You Only Live Once – YOLO". Quote Investigator. May 24, 2012. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  4. "Johann Wolfgang von Goethe". Qikiqoute. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  5. http://www.complex.com/city-guide/2013/01/florida-restaurant-holds-the-trademark-to-yolo
  6. "Drake Won't Name Rick Ross Mixtape "YOLO," Calls Phrase "Epidemic"". Fuse. 2012-06-12. Retrieved 2012-11-08.
  7. Roberts, Soraya (2011-12-16). "Zac Efron Adopts Drake's 'YOLO' Motto, as Does Souljaboy". Yahoo! OMG! CA. Retrieved 2012-11-08.
  8. http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2012/12/drake-wants-royalties-for-yolo/
  9. Hill, Kellus (14 May 2012). "Lecrae - Church Clothes". Da South. Retrieved 30 November 2012. {{cite web}}: Text "DaSouth.com" ignored (help)
  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. Express-Times File Photo. "Clinton Police: Two Men Spray-Paint Profanity, 'YOLO' on Town Structures". Lehigh Valley. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
  13. "Middle School Boys Accused of Spray-Painting Homes, Destroying Water Fountain". 10tv.com. 31 May 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
  14. "Parents, Students: Hoffman Estates School Overreacted To Senior Prank". CBS Chicago. 1 June 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
  15. Swanson, Mirjam (18 May 2012). "Track and Field: Mitchells making most of it". Press-Enterprise. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
  17. "Zac Efron Tat-Tat-Tatted Up!".
  18. http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2012/12/drake-wants-royalties-for-yolo/
  19. Judkis, Maura (25 February 2011). "#YOLO: The Newest Acronym You'll Love to Hate". Washington Post Style Blog. Retrieved October 10, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  20. Walsh, Megan (17 May 2012). "YOLO: The Evolution of the Acronym". Huffington Post. The Black Sheep Online.
  21. Lupkin, Sydney (Dec 21, 2012). "Young Adults Tweet #YOLO When They Don't Study, Get Drunk or Drive Too Fast". ABC News. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
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