Sometimes we turn on Netflix and leave it running in the background while we do other things, not really paying much attention to it. If Netflix continues to play idly for a certain period of time, eventually a “are you still watching?” message will pop up on the screen.
This message was quicky adopted into meme culture, and has changed over time to have a different connotation than what was originally intended by the media streaming platform. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The “Netflix: are you still watching?” expression is typically used as a meme that references somewhat sexual allusions. It indicates that someone turned on Netflix and then went off to do something else. It was adopted from the “Netflix and Chill” meme that came before it, and has more or less the same meaning that that phrase has.
This phrase is most commonly used by young adults and teenagers. It can be sexually explicit at times, so caution should be used when deciding who to make a “Netflix: are you still watching?” reference to. More information can be found in the video (here).
Example Usage
“I put Netflix on in the background while I was cleaning the house. Netflix: are you still watching?”
“I’ve had the same TV show playing on Netflix for three hours. Netflix: are you still watching?”
“I forgot I had Netflix on when I started talking to my friend on the phone an hour ago. Netflix: are you still watching?”
Origin
The media-streaming company Netflix was created in 1997. Thousands of people pay monthly to enjoy watching movies and television shows on the site. But over the years, the site has been the subject of various different memes that have become popular on the Internet.
“Netflix and Chill”, which was the first Netflix-focused meme, emerged in late 2014. It was primarily seen on sites like Twitter, but could be found all over social media, including Reddit or Facebook. It had great success with teens and young adults, and as a result, the spin off of “Netflix: are you still watching?” was created in 2016. It gained mass popularity starting in 2018, as a result of popular memes and TikTok clips that used it. Today, this phrase is still used all over social media, like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.
Phrases Similar to Netflix: Are You Still Watching?
- Netflix and Chill.
- Netflix cheating (watching an episode of a show you and someone else are watching together without them)
- Netflastinate (using Netflix to procrastinate doing something)
- Netflexting (watching a show at the same time as someone else who is not in the same place as you are and texting them about it)
Phrases Opposite to Netflix: Are You Still Watching?
- I only watched one episode.
- I’ve been using Netflix a lot.
What is the Correct Saying?
- “Netflix: are you still watching?” is the correct saying.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Netflix: Are You Still Watching?
“Netflix: are you still watching?” is used to refer to putting Netflix on in the background and then doing something else, long enough that Netflix asks you “are you still watching?”. Attempting to use this phrase when you are actively using the streaming site would be incorrect. Some ways that “Netflix: are you still watching?” is used incorrectly are:
- I only watched one movie on Netflix today. Netflix: are you still watching?
- I turned on Netflix earlier, but I only used it for a few minutes. Netflix: are you still watching?
- I only watched one episode of my show earlier. Netflix: are you still watching?
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Netflix: Are You Still Watching?
- I’ve had Netflix playing on my TV all day. Netflix: are you still watching?
- I’ve had this same show on for hours. Netflix: are you still watching?
- I turned Netflix on earlier and haven’t touched it since. Netflix: are you still watching?