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What Does 'Ate' Mean on TikTok? Your Ultimate Guide to TikTok Slang

Posted on 18th Dec, 2024.

TL;DR (The Short Version)

To say somebody 'ate' on TikTok is similar to saying they 'slayed'.
This terms means they did something well, pulled off an outfit, or looked cool.
Other popular TikTok terms include 'slay', 'beige flag', and 'NPC'. Read on to discover what they mean.

If you've ever been scrolling your TikTok FYP and felt like everybody on it and in the comments was speaking a different language, you're not alone. TikTok has a vocabulary all of its own that you need to learn if you plan on making content for the app. Doing so can ensure you get more views.

One of the most popular phrases on TikTok, which you'll often see in the comment section of a video, is to say somebody 'ate' or is 'eating'. This phrase is praise, suggesting the user thinks the creator has excelled at something. If you 'ate', you did something well. Read on to discover where the phrase comes from, how to use it, and more popular TikTok slang.

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Where Does 'Ate' Come From?

As with much of TikTok slang, this term appears to have originated with the LGBTQ+ community in the 2000s and is now used frequently across TikTok. It's similar to 'slay', which is another term to express admiration or praise for somebody's look or skills. Ate appears to be a short version of the phrase 'ate that up', which carries the same sentiment.

The use of the term 'ate' became popularised on TikTok in around 2023, when users started using it as a synonym for 'slayed' which conveys a similar meaning.

When to Use 'Ate' On TikTok

There's no set rule about when you can use the phrase 'ate' on TikTok - just use it whenever it makes sense. If you want to express admiration for another creator via either comments, a duet, or another way of interacting, you can comment saying 'you ate' or simply just 'ate!'. You can also use it in a tongue-in-cheek manner on your own videos.

Why Use TikTok Slang?

Knowing TikTok vocabulary not only promises a more enjoyable browsing experience for you when you know what everything means, but it can also help you connect to your audience. When you use TikTok slang in the right way, you'll find that you receive more likes.

The key to success on TikTok lies in not only following trends in the form of challenges, filters, and editing techniques, but also by understanding and participating in TikTok culture.

Beige Flag Meaning TikTok

If you're a frequent TikTok user, you've probably seen particular qualities described as 'beige flags'.

A red flag is a quality or view that somebody possesses that points to them being somebody not very nice, or somebody you should avoid. An example of a red flag would be somebody who is rude to waitors. A green flag is a quality that's attractive or shows somebody as being a nice person. An example of a green flag could be always coming to pick you up at the airport.

A beige flag is neither of the above - it's a strange quirk that's neither particularly good or bad. An example of a beige flag could be only being able to drink water that's at room temperature.

What Does NPC Mean on TikTok?

NPC meaning non-playing or non-playable character. The term originates from gaming but is now commonly used across TikTok. In gaming, an NPC is controlled by the game rather than you playing the game. You could also see them as background characters.

If you refer to somebody as an NPC on TikTok, you might mean to say they're a background character, they have no opinions, or it doesn't feel like they're present in the situation. An NPC could be somebody who sits on the fence, not sharing their opinions. It's not offensive, but it's not the most complimentary description either. You'll often see somebody described as an NPC in comments on a TikTok video.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'you ate' mean on TikTok?

If you comment on somebody's video saying 'you ate', it means you think they did something well. It's often used to refer to pulling off an outfit, displaying a talent, or even giving a hot take on a subject that you agree with.

What does ate mean in Gen Z?

'Ate' is Gen Z slang and it's used to mean somebody has done a great job. Even if you're not Gen Z, you can use this piece of vocab! A huge chunk of TikTok's users are under 30, so using Gen Z slang can help you appeal to them and gain new followers.

While you don't have to use TikTok slang to attract likes and followers, it's a great way to show you understand your audience. Plus, you'll have a more enjoyable time scrolling your FYP when you understand what's being said! So, now you understand what 'ate' means, you can use it across your content and in your comments on other creator's content as a supportive message.