Internet
eli5
What does eli5 mean?
Used as a humble flag that you're lost and need the no-jargon version.
"I'm gonna need an ELI5 on this crypto stuff, none of it makes sense."
Origin
Popularized by the Reddit subreddit r/explainlikeimfive, launched in 2011, though the 'explain it like I'm five' phrasing predates it in casual speech.
Frequently asked questions
What does ELI5 mean in slang?
It stands for 'Explain Like I'm 5,' a request for a super-simple explanation with no jargon. It doesn't literally mean you're treating someone like a child.
Where did ELI5 come from?
It blew up thanks to Reddit's r/explainlikeimfive community in 2011. The phrase itself existed in conversation before that.
Is ELI5 an insult?
No, asking for an ELI5 is just admitting you want the basics. It's about clarity, not intelligence.
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