YOLO is an acronym for "you only live once". Similar to carpe diem or memento mori, it implies that one should enjoy life, even if that entails taking risks. The phrase and acronym are used in youth culture and music, and were popularized by the 2011 song "The Motto" by Canadian rapper Drake.

Background

The phrase "you only live once" is commonly attributed to Mae West,^[1][2] but variations of the phrase have been in use for over 100 years,^[3] 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^[4] and as the title of a waltz, "Man lebt nur einmal!" ("You Only Live Once!") by Johann Strauss II in 1855.

Incidentally, a restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida has held a trademark to the phrase "YOLO" in the context of the frozen yogurt business since 2010.^[5][6]

Use in music

The phrase was popularized by rappers Drake and Rick Ross, who planned to release a joint mixtape entitled YOLO.^[7] 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.^[8] Recently Drake claimed to want royalties 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 Macys.^[9][5]

Hip-hop magazine Da South reported that the rapper Lecrae has deconstructed the phrase "YOLO" in his song "No Regrets".^[10]

The popular comedy band The Lonely Island, released a song titled "YOLO" parodying the phrase, and the people who say it. "YOLO" features singer Adam Levine and rapper Kendrick Lamar. The song has charted in many countries including #60 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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".^[11][12] Some people have graffitied "YOLO" on walls.^[13][14] It has become a popular Twitter hashtag.^[15] Some youth have said that it is their motto,^[16][17] and actor Zac Efron has a tattoo with the acronym.^[18] The phrase and acronym are used in merchandise worn by teenagers such as hats and t-shirts.^[9]

Criticism

Online media including the Washington Post and the Huffington Post describe YOLO as the "newest acronym you'll love to hate"^[19] and "dumb".^[20] 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 (193 km/h): "Drunk af going 120 drifting corners #F***It YOLO."^[21]

References