verb

YOLO

YOH-loh

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YOLO (verb) means used informally to justify a bold, reckless, or spontaneous decision, from the phrase "you only live once.". Example: “I'm quitting my job to travel," she said. "YOLO.”

verb

Used informally to justify a bold, reckless, or spontaneous decision, from the phrase "you only live once."

""I'm quitting my job to travel," she said. "YOLO.""

How to use YOLO

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA slang shorthand for "you only live once," used to justify taking a risk or doing something impulsive.

When to use it

Very informal and now somewhat dated slang, often used self-mockingly.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Third person singular: YOLOs
Past tense: YOLOed

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"I'm quitting my job to travel," she said. "_____."

Etymology

An acronym for "you only live once," a phrase dating back to the 19th century; the acronym itself was popularized around 2011 by the rapper Drake and entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016.

· First attested 2011

Class of 2011 YOLO joined the language around 2011.

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Rhymes for YOLO

polo bolo solo lolo cholo Paolo gigolo piccolo

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Frequently asked questions

What does “YOLO” mean?

The word “YOLO” means used informally to justify a bold, reckless, or spontaneous decision, from the phrase "you only live once.". In plain terms, a slang shorthand for "you only live once," used to justify taking a risk or doing something impulsive.

How do you pronounce “YOLO”?

“YOLO” is pronounced YOH-loh (/ˈjoʊloʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “YOLO” in a sentence?

Here is “YOLO” used in a sentence: “"I'm quitting my job to travel," she said. "YOLO.".”

What part of speech is “YOLO”?

“YOLO” is a verb.

Where does the word “YOLO” come from?

The word “YOLO” dates back to around 2011. An acronym for "you only live once," a phrase dating back to the 19th century; the acronym itself was popularized around 2011 by the rapper Drake and entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016.

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