Buzz
Learn the meaning, history, and how this adorable slang is used. Perhaps you’ve received a ‘rawr!’ text from someone special or spotted it on TikTok or Tumblr. Confused? Don’t worry! 'Rawr' is a fun way to express affection, and it's all about channeling your inner dinosaur. Still scratching your head? Read on to uncover the history, the origins, and how to use 'rawr' so you’re ready for the next time it pops up in a conversation! 🦕
The Meaning of 'Rawr'
'Rawr' is an internet slang term typically used to show affection, often intended to mimic a cute dinosaur’s roar. It can be used to express warmth, flirtation, or sometimes even playful sexual attraction. While it’s most common in romantic interactions, you may also see it in platonic contexts between friends.
How to Use 'Rawr'
What does the term 'rawr' really mean?
'Rawr' is an internet slang expression used to convey affection 'in dinosaur.' It imitates a dinosaur’s roar and symbolizes how a dinosaur might express love—or perhaps even sexual attraction. It's most often seen in emo culture and random humor, serving as a cute little interjection in texts and online conversations.
- 'Rawr' is a playful way to show affection without getting too vulnerable.
- Typically an interjection (e.g., 'Rawr! I love you!'), but can also be used as a verb (e.g., 'I rawr these cookies so much!').
- Rawr! You’re my best friend!
- Rawr! I’m going to eat you up!
- I miss you! Rawr! 🦕
The Origins of 'Rawr'
'Rawr' emerged in the mid-2000s from the emo internet subculture. It was often paired with the emoticon XD and quickly became a favorite of teens in the emo and scene communities. On sites like DeviantArt, illustrations of dinosaurs with the phrase 'Rawr! It means I love you in dinosaur' became iconic.
- The term gained even more traction through viral content, like DeviantArt user SilentReaper’s 2004 artwork titled 'OMG RAWR XD' or Facebook user Bardock Obama's 2015 post that read, 'Rawr XD means I’m gonna eat ya a** in dinosaur.'
- Despite some viewing it as 'cringe' or childish, 'rawr' paradoxically represents the originality and rebellion of the emo and scene kids against societal expectations.
How to Incorporate 'Rawr' into Your Everyday Chats
'Rawr' is a playful way to show affection or attraction toward someone. It’s a fun, quirky expression to let someone know you care, even if some might find it childish or cringe-worthy. For others, it's just a cute and friendly gesture, and for some, it’s funny in an ironic, post-cringe way. In short: have fun with it!
- Rawr! It’s been so long! We need to hang out!
- I rawr you so much!
- Rawr! You’re my best friend.
'Rawr' lets you show affection without being overly direct or vulnerable. It’s a cute way to let someone know you care without saying things like, 'I’m madly in love with you' or 'I want you.' The next time you're texting your crush and want to take it to the next level, just send them a 'Rawr!' and see how they react. If they reply with a 'rawr,' you know it’s meant to be. If not, maybe they didn’t get the hint.
- Rawr! What are you up to?
- Rawr XD! I’m so lonely without you!
- Come over! Rawr!
Other Fun 2000s Slang Terms
'Rawr' is just one of many fun and goofy millennial slang words. Add these classic 2000s terms to your vocabulary and test your generation knowledge by taking our quiz to see if you're truly a millennial or a Gen Z-er!
- Smexy: A mix of sexy and smart
- No sh*t, Sherlock: Obviously! (Or Duh!)
- ROFLCOPTER: A more extreme version of ROFL (rolling on the floor laughing)
- Fo shizzle: For sure!
- Chillax: A combination of 'chill' and 'relax'
