What Does IYKYK Mean? Decode the IYKYK Meaning, Usage, and Related Safety Concerns for Kids

Gaurav Rathore
Gaurav Rathore

Tech Writer

Education:

6 min read

Being a parent of Gen Z isn’t easy! You’ll encounter new slang every day and struggle to find the precise meaning of their digital lingo.

Today, my child said, “IYKYK mom!!!” when I asked him about his senior year. Like any other boomer, I hopped to Google, wondering, “what does IYKYK mean and should I be worried if my child uses it?”

Well, if you can relate, DW (Don’t Worry), I’ve got your back. 

Join me as I crack the secret slang codes of Gen Z and explain to you the IYKYK meaning. Learn how to use IYKYK, and surprise your kids with an intriguing reply next time they use it. 

What Does IYKYK Mean?

IYKYK is a Gen Z internet acronym that stands for “If You Know, You Know.”

This slang expression is mainly used to refer to an inside joke, pop-culture references, shared experience, or hidden meaning that only certain people can understand. Simply put, if you’re part of the group or know the context of the conversation, you’ll get it. 

Mostly used on social media platforms and in group conversations, IYKYK meaning is not vague or mysterious. 

Knowing what does IYKYK mean is not enough for incorporating this slang into your mainstream lingo. Let’s understand how you can use it and learn some appropriate replies to this expression in the subsequent sections.

How to Use IYKYK in Conversation?

The IYKYK expression is mostly used casually and playfully, so avoid using it in formal settings or in serious situations. 

Use this phrase in informal conversations and only when you want to reference something that only certain people will understand. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind to precisely use IYKYK!

  • It should refer to something; hence, avoid using it randomly.

    Correct Use: That one teacher who never gives homework, IYKYK!!

    Incorrect Use: The Math teacher never checks homework, IYKYK!!

  • Do not use this expression to make someone feel excluded or left out. 

    Correct Use: When your bestie starts laughing before the joke finishes, IYKYK!!!

    Incorrect Use: Someone didn’t get invited to the girl’s trip, IYKYK!!!

  • Avoid overusing it because when used in every sentence, it might lose the mystery or exclusivity.

    Correct Use: Damn, the English test today, IYKYK!!

    Incorrect Use: I woke up…. IYKYK! Had Cereal….. IYKYK. Went to class… IYKYK!

What is the Appropriate Method to Respond to IYKYK?

Accurate responses to IYKYK slang depend on whether you know the reference or not. So here are a few responses according to the different situations!

  • When you know the reference, you can choose to play along and say “true,” “fact,” “LOL,” or even use an emoji. 

    Examples: 

    • OMG. Yes! That was hilarious.
    • Literally, still laughing about it! IYKYK for real.
    • Only the real ones know.
    • Classic moment. 
  • If you don’t know the context or reference, ask politely what the other person is talking about.

    Examples: 

    • Okay… I clearly don’t know 😅 Spill it?
    • “Not me Googling IYKYK right now 👀
    • I feel left out. 😭 Are you gonna let me in on it?
    • Wait, I don’t get it. Clue me in?
  • In case you don’t know the reference but want to stay out of the conversation, you can choose a casual response style.

    Examples: 

    • Haha, cool 😄.
    • I’ll take your word for it!
    • Sounds like a story 😂

Is IYKYK Safe Slang for Kids?

Yes, IYKYK is entirely safe slang for kids to use!

It is a neutral slang term and simply means ‘If You Know, You Know.’ However, the context in which it is used really matters. IYKYK is usually used to create a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and shared understanding. But sometimes, it may be perceived as exclusionary by those who don’t understand the reference. 

IYKYK meaning is quite harmless, and you should not be worried about your kid using it. However, not all the internet acronyms are safe. There are certain slang terms like KYS (Kill Yourself) or KMS (Kill Myself)  that you should watch out for. 

These phrases are violent and promote aggression and suicidal activities. So to keep your child protected from such extreme and absurd phrases, I recommend you install and set up parental controls on your children’s devices. 

It will restrict the inappropriate content by enabling AI based web filters for explicit, violent and harmful content. Additionally, you can also manage your little fellow’s screen time, track their digital activities, manage their interaction with strangers, and track their whereabouts using parental controls. 

To create awareness about harmful digital vocabulary, you can also use the Radarro Slang Dictionary and teach your child not every cool online phrase is safe to use.

Wrapping Up!

As parents, understanding digital expressions like IYKYK meaning is important. It gives you a small window of communication where you can connect with your little fellow and even understand if your kid is trying to conceal something from you. 

You don’t need to police every word your teen uses, but it’s best to at least know the meaning. It will keep an open dialogue and show them you’re not just watching them from the sidelines, but you really care for them. 

FAQs

What does IYKYK mean?

IYKYK is a modern-day internet acronym for ‘If You Know, You Know.’ It is mostly used for indicating a statement that has a reference, shared joke, or something that is known to limited people.

What is the reply of IYKYK?

The best replies for IYKYK are “true,” “LOL,” “facts,” or a fun emoji, as they all signify that you have simply acknowledged the shared understanding of an inside joke or signal. 

Is IYKYK positive or negative?

It is a neutral slang term and can mean both positive and negative depending on the context in which it is used. 

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