Buzz
Use this trendy phrase to compare your wealth
'Band for band' is a phrase often used to compare two things, typically money. This phrase gained popularity on TikTok and inspired several similar expressions. TikTok is constantly introducing new slang, and it can sometimes feel like a new term pops up every minute. If you've been confused about it, don't worry. This article will explain what 'band for band' means, how to use it, and touch on related phrases like 'm for m'.
What does 'band for band' signify?
'Band for band' is a way to compare two items, particularly when talking about money. Over time, this term has evolved, and now it is commonly understood to refer to comparing amounts in the thousands of dollars. A 'band' typically refers to one thousand dollars. People often use 'band for band' when they want to prove that what they have is superior to someone else’s possessions.
Instructions
Meaning of 'Band for Band'
'Band for band' refers to comparing money in terms of thousands of dollars. A 'band' represents $1,000, so this expression indicates that you are comparing substantial amounts of money. The term has been used for years within the Black community, originally referring to the rubber bands that hold stacks of cash together. When you challenge someone to go 'band for band,' you're suggesting that you have more money than they do.
- If you're trying to prove that what you have is better than someone else’s—whether it's money, clothing, or even opinions—'band for band' is the phrase to use.
'Band for band' can also be used to compare two things. The phrase went viral on TikTok in 2023, where it expanded beyond money and began to signify comparing anything. In early 2024, a trend emerged where women compared their eyebrows using the phrase. Posts often included captions like ‘band for band, nah let’s go brow for brow.’ The challenge involved showcasing eyebrow hairs and comparing the fullness of your brows to someone else’s.
- The term regained popularity in mid-2024 after Lil Baby and Central Cee featured it in a song.
- People also began using 'band for band' to emphasize things that are more important to them than money.
- On May 5, 2024, @lxnely_at_night shared a TikTok featuring rapper Lil B The Based God crying, with the caption, “pov: I’m going band for band with bro, and he says, ‘I have something more priceless,’ then pulls out a selfie of us living our best life.”
How to Use 'Band for Band'
Use 'band for band' when you want to prove you have more money than someone else. If you're having a money dispute and want to show that you're winning, challenge the other person to go 'band for band.' If they decline, it’s a good sign that you have the upper hand. You can also ask someone to 'show you a band' if you think they don't have enough money for a particular situation.
- For example, if you're hanging out with friends and one starts claiming they have more cash than you, challenge them to go 'band for band' to settle it.
- If you're ordering food for the group and a friend who's usually broke suggests getting something expensive, you can jokingly say, 'go band for band, since you’ve got so much money.'
'Band for band' can also be used to compare more than just money. According to influencer and content creator Aaron Makelky, many people from Gen Z use 'band for band' not only for financial comparisons but also to argue that one thing is superior to another. For instance, you might see this phrase in comment sections when debating which is better between two things. If you believe something you have outshines someone else’s, you can challenge them to go 'band for band' and compare the two. Here's an example:
- Your Friend: “My car is fast as heck, bro.”
- You: “Band for band?”
- If you're having a debate with a friend about which TV show is better, you can tell them to go 'band for band' or 'episode for episode' to pit each individual episode against each other.
What does 'band for band, m for m' mean?
'Band for band, m for m' refers to the viral 'BAND4BAND' song by Lil Baby and Central Cee. In the track, the two rappers go bar for bar, with Central Cee saying, 'We can go band for band,' only for Lil Baby to counter with, 'f*** that, we can go m for m.' The phrase elevates 'band for band' by shifting the comparison to millions, instead of thousands. This catchy line helped the song gain traction on TikTok in the summer of 2024, sparking a trend where users compared the two rappers' accents by switching between modern American and colonial British attire.
- Many people also used the term to draw comparisons between two opposing things.
Related Expressions
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Racks 'Racks' refers to thousands of dollars, with one rack equaling $1,000. This term was popularized by rapper Yung Chris in his 2011 hit 'Racks.' If you want to casually talk about large sums of money, you can say you have a bunch of racks.
- If you've earned a significant amount of money, you can mention you just made a lot of racks.
- For smaller sums, you might refer to money as 'cheese' or 'fetti.'
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Bricks 'Bricks' describe very large amounts of money. Rappers often use the term to flex their wealth, with the word being a play on the literal bricks used by the Federal Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
- In New York, 'bricks' is also used to refer to extremely cold weather.
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Broke A person who is 'broke' has little or no money. If you're out dining with a friend who can’t afford their meal, they would be considered broke. The term carries a negative connotation and may be used as an insult when directed at someone who seems financially lacking.
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'Broke boyfriend hug' The 'broke boyfriend hug' is a type of embrace where a boyfriend hugs his partner tightly from behind, rocking side to side. It's often used on TikTok to describe a man who consistently relies on his partner to pay for items he should be buying, like toiletries, underwear, or other essentials.
