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Additionally, discover why some people mistakenly believe "ligma" is an actual disease (hint: it’s not).
If you're curious about what "ligma" actually means, you're in the right spot! This article will walk you through the viral internet joke, break down its meaning, and trace where it all began. By the end, you’ll hopefully avoid asking someone the infamous question, "What’s ligma?"—because that's how you become part of the joke. Keep reading for all the details!
The Meaning Behind "Ligma"
"Ligma" is a fictional term and viral internet prank that fools people into asking, "What’s ligma?", only for the prankster to reply with "ligma balls." The joke gained massive popularity on Twitter in 2018 and has since inspired numerous memes, variations, and even an online hoax involving a famous gamer’s supposed death from "ligma."
How it Works
What is the meaning of “ligma”?
“Ligma” is a viral internet prank based on its similarity to the phrase “lick my.” It’s a made-up word used to trick people into asking “What’s ligma?” The response typically involves crude punchlines such as “ligma balls,” “ligma butt,” or “ligma nuts.” The joke often starts with someone claiming that “ligma” is a disease, prompting others to fall for the punchline.
- “Ligma” originated on social media and spread rapidly, spawning endless memes and jokes.
- Some users even pretend “ligma” is a real illness, inventing false symptoms, diagnoses, and cures, causing confusion and making some believe it’s a legitimate disease.
The Birth of the “Ligma” Joke and its Viral Spread
The joke originated on Twitter in May 2018. The first known use of “ligma” occurred when Twitter user @Galevik (now deactivated) trolled activist David Hogg, asking him to “boycott ligma.” After a brief exchange, Hogg unknowingly asked, “What’s ligma?” and @Galevik replied, “Lick my balls, b*tch.” The entire conversation was posted on Instagram and quickly went viral.
- The reason for trolling Hogg remains unclear, but his prominent Twitter presence made him an easy target for viral jokes.
- David Hogg was a survivor of the Parkland High School shooting and became a vocal anti-violence advocate, which is why his account was so visible on Twitter during that time.
The joke skyrocketed in popularity in July 2018, especially after a death hoax. In that month, Instagram user @ninja_hater spread the false rumor that a disease called “ligma” had claimed the life of popular Fortnite streamer and YouTuber Ninja (real name Richard Tyler Blevins). The post prompted many to ask, “What’s ligma?”, fueling the viral spread of the joke.
- After the hoax, “ligma” jokes were so prevalent in Ninja’s streams that he threatened to ban anyone who used the term during live chats.
A joke post on Urban Dictionary may have sparked even more confusion. On July 20, 2018, a user named User80085 posted a fabricated medical definition of “ligma” on Urban Dictionary. This post claimed “ligma” was a testicular disease, and it seemed quite convincing at first glance. Many people using the “ligma” joke copied and pasted this so-called “definition” to mislead others into believing the disease was real. The post stated:
- “LIGMA is part of the BOFA spectrum of conditions. LIGMA (Loose Internal Gene Mi-Asintits) is the second stage of BOFA (Biologically Offset Farkwonian Asintits). In this stage, the disease affects the immune system, increasing susceptibility to common infections like tuberculosis. Due to the weakened immune system, many patients, including popular Fortnite streamer Ninja, die at this stage of BOFA. It is also the last treatable phase. Although not effective, treatments for LIGMA include LIGMA-BALLS (Bi-Asonurdick Lateral Lactatioustits Sequence), which, while experimental, have shown promise. Stopping BOFA at the LIGMA stage can prevent patients from entering the final phase, E-TMA (Entrenched Terminal Mi-Asintits).”
“Ligma” went viral again in 2022 as part of a Twitter prank. In October 2022, shortly after Elon Musk took over Twitter, two pranksters posed as former employees to stage a protest against their supposed “layoffs” in front of the company’s headquarters. They introduced themselves as “Ligma” and “Johnson” to reporters, who fell for the joke and published the story. This led to a wave of public ridicule for the reporters involved, as they were duped by the prank.
Is “ligma” a legitimate medical condition?
No, “ligma” is not a real disease. It’s simply a made-up joke. There’s no need to worry—“ligma” has nothing to do with any health condition or testicular disease. It’s not even a real word. It’s all part of a crude internet prank. If someone tries to use “ligma” around you, don’t fall for it! They’re just trying to trick you into becoming the punchline of their silly joke.
Other Similar Slang Pranks
“Ligma” is just one of many crude jokes built on a similar concept. Two of the most well-known and long-standing bait-and-switch pranks similar to “ligma” are “deeznuts” and “updog.” “Ligma” has also inspired new variations that follow the same pattern, including: sugma (“suck my balls”), sugondese (“suck on deez nuts”), and grabahan (“grab a handful of my nuts”).
