Article by Emerald Pellot
TikTok users are putting two fingers on their arm all the time, and no one quite knows what it means.
The gesture looks similar to the one you do when you’re checking your pulse, however, there’s nothing medical about it. Still, people are sort of baffled by it.
guys quick help what’s the audio on tiktok that’s like “it started with a hey uh it started with a heyy” those definitely aren’t the lyrics but it’s like the trend where you do the frat boy face and point to your arm help does anyone know what i’m talking about
— kat || famous era (@niallinpayne) March 1, 2021
What does it mean to put two fingers on your arm on TikTok?
The meaning of the gesture has changed over time. It was first popularized by former Lakers player DeAngelo Russell, who did the pose in celebration after scoring.
It meant “ice in my veins,” which is a play on cold-blooded, or “ruthlessly competitive and skilled at the game of basketball,” according to TikTok historian @kahlilgreene.
Over time, as many TikTok trends do, the gesture came to be considered “Gen Z culture” rather than Black culture. It took on a new meaning.
@izzihunter she won’t tell me who it is and it makes me wanna know more #foryou #foryoupage #fyp
♬ Hayloft – Mother Mother
The pose is now used to signal the person is revealing some sort of inherent truth or reality about themselves. In true TikTok fashion, it’s usually ironic or humorous.
Izzi Hunterdid the trend to reveal that her mother had an affair with a famous football player who could have been her dad.
The trend is often set to the song “Hayloft” by Mother Mother —specifically the “it started with a hayloft uh it started with a hey,” part.
Here are some examples of the trend:
@mariana_111298 it really do be like that 🤧🤧 #fyp #tiktoktrends #trends #itstartedwithahey #school
♬ Hayloft – Mother Mother
WhenMariana Cabreradid it, it was basically to make fun of the trend itself. Her caption read, “another f***ing TikTok trend,” as she tapped her forearm with two fingers.
“I don’t understand that trend of pointing to your elbow, someone please tell me what it means,” a user commented.
“Maybe you’ll be the one to bring that trend back,” another said.
https://www.tiktok.com/@boogereater2.0/video/6937068691938921734
Madisyn Amiamade a skit at The Virgin Mary and pointed to her arm when she invented Christianity to conceal her child out of wedlock.
@zenashrub Today is a god complex kinda day, thanks for asking #LiftYourDream #xyzabc #OurHouse2021 #fyp #itstartedwithahey #featurethis
♬ Hayloft – Mother Mother
Zena Shurrabused the trend to make fun of herself. After saying she walked around with a “god complex” all day, she pointed to her arm. The caption read: “my inferiority complex.”
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I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of TikTok culture and its trends. My expertise stems from a keen interest in social media phenomena, including TikTok, and I've closely followed the evolution of various trends on the platform.
The article in question discusses a mysterious gesture on TikTok where users put two fingers on their arms, resembling the motion of checking one's pulse. Despite its seemingly medical appearance, the gesture holds a different significance within the TikTok community.
The gesture was initially popularized by former Lakers player DeAngelo Russell, who used it as a celebration after scoring. In this context, it conveyed the message "ice in my veins," symbolizing being cold-blooded and ruthlessly competitive in basketball. However, as many TikTok trends tend to do, the meaning evolved over time.
According to TikTok historian @kahlilgreene, the gesture transitioned from being associated with Black culture to becoming part of "Gen Z culture." Its current meaning involves signaling the revelation of some inherent truth or reality about oneself. Typically, this revelation is presented in an ironic or humorous manner, aligning with the characteristic style of content on TikTok.
The article provides examples of TikTok users employing this gesture to disclose personal information or engage in self-mockery. For instance, @izzihunter used the trend to reveal a family secret, and @zenashrub utilized it to humorously admit to a "god complex" and, in turn, mock her own "inferiority complex."
The gesture is often accompanied by the song "Hayloft" by Mother Mother, particularly the lyrics "it started with a hayloft uh it started with a hey." This musical element further reinforces the association between the gesture and the TikTok trend.
In summary, the two-finger-on-arm gesture on TikTok has undergone a transformation in meaning, from a basketball-related celebration to a symbol of self-disclosure and irony within the context of Gen Z culture on the platform.
