«Netflix and chill» doesn't mean just relaxing and watching TV shows. It's a euphemism with sexual connotations : the TV show or movie serves as a pretext for a romantic moment. The expression originated in 2009 without any ambiguity, before shifting to that meaning in the social networks.
Find out the whole story!
What does "Netflix and Chill" mean?
Literally, « Netflix »and chill" translates to «watch" Netflix »and relax". But in everyday language on internet, the expression has become a coded for a sexually suggestive invitation, often without obligation.
You can see « Netflix »and chill" in two contexts: one one-night stand or a love relationship already installed. In either case, the message is the same: watch Netflix clearly takes a back seat.
This slang expression has the same function today as a rated -18 or -16 on a screen. If someone offers you a « Netflix »and chill," so don't just hope that watch TV shows.
History and Origin of This Expression
It all begins on January 21, 2009, when the user NoFaceNina (La Shanda Rene Foster) posts a message on Twitter : « I'm about to log in to Netflix and relax for the rest of the night ». At that point, there was no ambiguity: the expression means exactly what it says.".
It wasn't until much later that it took on an entirely different meaning. Here are the major stages of this shift:
- 2009 : first use on Twitter, in a purely literal sense.
- 2013 : Netflix explodes at the UNITED STATES and win millions of subscribers. The phrase « Netflix »and chill" is becoming widespread in both written and spoken language.
- June 2014 : the term is gaining traction in the community Black Twitter, where it takes on its slang meaning.
- April 2015 : the definition is included in the’Urban Dictionary, described as a « a code for two people who visit each other's homes and engage in sexual intercourse or other sexual acts ".
In just a few years, a commonplace phrase has thus become a true global euphemism. This shift between the literal and hidden meanings largely explains the success of « Netflix »and chill," to the point where it regularly makes headlines in media outlets such as the Daily Mirror.
What are the implications of using this term?
" Netflix »and chill" has gone far beyond a simple private message to become an integral part of the popular culture. Brands, artists, and media outlets around the world have embraced it.
In October 2015, Netflix has designed a prototype button called «The Switch». He dimmed the light and switched his smartphone to «Do Not Disturb», ordered food, and started streaming—all with a single tap.
The sexual connotation from « Netflix »and chill" has also caught on in the marketing world. Here are the most notable twists on the phrase:
- The brand Say It With A Condomfounded by Kori Williams, launched in 2015 a condom named " Netfl!x & Chill », playing directly on that slang meaning.
- In December 2015, the singer Ariana Grande released a single titled " Christmas & Chill », in turn playing on that reference.
- At UNITED STATES, students organized festive gatherings centered on the phrase, demonstrating how deeply rooted it is among young people generation.
When it comes down to it, " Netflix »and chill" shows how a single word thrown out there internet can shape both everyday language and global marketing.
Do you really want to watch Netflix? Our article on The 10 Best Movies Netflix to watch might help you find what you're looking for!
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