Pop
gag me with a spoon
What does gag me with a spoon mean?
A way to react to anything you find over-the-top or cringeworthy.
"They were kissing in the hallway again — gag me with a spoon."
Origin
A Valley-girl phrase from early-80s San Fernando Valley teen speak, popularized nationwide by Frank and Moon Zappa's 1982 hit 'Valley Girl.' It mimes triggering your own gag reflex out of disgust.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'gag me with a spoon' mean?
It means 'that's disgusting' or 'how revolting' — an exaggerated expression of distaste from Valley-girl slang.
Where did 'gag me with a spoon' come from?
It's classic 80s Valley-girl talk popularized by the 1982 song 'Valley Girl' by Frank Zappa and his daughter Moon.
Is the phrase serious?
No, it's playful and over-the-top. Nobody literally wants a spoon — it's just dramatic disgust.
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