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How to Spot When You've Been “Ratioed” Online
You’ve probably encountered the term “ratioed” while scrolling through social media, but what does it really mean? This widely used term describes a post that has more replies or comments than likes or retweets, often suggesting that the majority of users disagree with the content. In this guide, we’ll explain everything about being “ratioed,” including where the term originated, what “W” and “L” ratios stand for, and why TikTok users sometimes ask for a ratio.
Understanding the Meaning of Being “Ratioed” on Social Media
The term “ratio” refers to a situation where a post receives more replies or comments than likes or retweets. If someone gets “ratioed,” it means their opinion is largely unpopular. “W” and “L” ratios represent “win” or “loss,” and users often drop these letters in response to a post to show which side is more favored by the community.
How to Respond to Being “Ratioed”
What does the term “ratio” mean in slang?
The term “ratio” refers to a post that receives a lot of criticism or disagreement. If someone gets “ratioed,” it means their post has more negative responses than positive ones. The number of replies or comments exceeds the likes or retweets, signaling that the content is controversial. It’s like the internet’s way of “downvoting” your opinion or signaling that your take on a subject is unpopular.
- “I feel bad because this kid got ratioed on Twitter.”
- “You got 23 likes and his reply got 242 likes? He totally ratioed you, dude!”
What do “W” and “L” ratios mean online?
“W” and “L” ratios reflect which opinion is more favored online. When the likes on a comment in response to a post surpass the likes on the original post, users drop a “W” in the replies to show they’ve “won” the argument. Conversely, if the number of disagreeing comments outweighs the likes or retweets on the post, users comment “L” or “ratio L” to indicate the original post has “lost” or been “ratioed.”
- “W” and “L” ratios come from the expressions “taking a W” or “taking an L,” meaning winning or losing.
What does “L + Ratio” mean?
“L + Ratio” is a meme used to mock or insult someone. When someone posts “L + Ratio,” it’s a way of telling the content creator that their post is a failure and that they’ve been (or will be) embarrassed by the response. People often use “L + Ratio” alone or combine it with other insults and playful phrases—often involving popular slang or internet memes.
- “L + Ratio + go touch grass”
- “L + Ratio + you fell off after high school”
- “L + Ratio + Shrek is love + get outta my swamp”
How can you tell if you've been “ratioed?”
Getting “ratioed” means your opinion is less favored than others. Check the number of likes (or retweets) on your original post and compare it to the number of likes on a comment that “ratios” you. If your post has fewer likes than the number of replies or likes on a “ratio” comment, it means most people disagree with your opinion or point of view.
What is a TikTok ratio request?
A TikTok ratio request is a way to boost interaction on a post. When users comment “ratio 1:1” or “ratio me 1:1,” they’re asking for the likes on their comment or reply to match the likes on the original post. For example, if a TikTok video has 2,000 likes, the user’s comment needs to have 2,000 likes to achieve a 1:1 ratio. This request can come from a random user or the creator of the video.
- Why do people ask for a 1:1 ratio? It helps increase the number of likes on comments, which in turn can improve the visibility and total views on the video.
The Origins of “Ratioed”
The phrase “ratioed” made its debut on Twitter in early 2017. At that time, Twitter didn’t have a dislike button, so users would compare the number of replies with the number of likes and retweets. If replies greatly surpassed likes and retweets, it signaled that the tweet was poorly received or seen as “bad.”
- On March 7, 2017, Twitter user @85mf shared a screenshot of a tweet from House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz. The tweet had 701 replies but only 23 retweets and 108 likes, prompting the comment, “nothing on this site makes me happier than reply-to-RT ratios like this.”
Are “Ratios” Negative?
Most people see being “ratioed” as an indication of failure. Disagreeing with someone isn’t inherently bad, but “getting ratioed” is hardly a praise-worthy situation. Likes generally reflect agreement, and research shows we tend to prefer those who share our views. However, “ratios” don’t always reflect the quality of a post—reactions can vary based on your audience, the subject matter, or the platform where you post.
- “Ratios” can turn harmful if used to degrade others or spread false information. Be cautious of the comments you like or post, and adhere to digital etiquette rules for respectful online behavior.
Other Related Slang Terms
“Drag” This widely-used slang term is often used to criticize someone, but it can also refer to a situation where someone is publicly embarrassed. Depending on the context, it can be playful—especially if the person is doing something awkward or wearing an outfit that’s not stylish.
- “Bobby, you’re just asking to be dragged with those shorts on.”
- “I felt terrible for Josh. Coach was dragging him in front of the whole team.”
- “She doesn’t deserve to be in charge of the aux after playing that song. Guys, drag her!”
“Roast” When you “roast” someone, you’re throwing an insult so sharp that it feels like they’re being scorched. While roasts are usually light-hearted and meant for friends, they can sometimes be used to put others down. Some classic roasts include:
- “If I threw a stick, would you leave?”
- “You’re as exciting as a sheet of paper.”
- “Your face looks like a bowl of mashed potatoes.”
“Served” This slang term from the 2000s is used when someone proves they’re superior, or when someone has been thoroughly embarrassed. “You got served” is often said after a sharp comeback or insult.
-
Them: “I can’t believe she said that about my outfit.”
You: “You got served!” -
Them: “That comment about his mom was way too much…”
You: “He got SERVED!”
