Are you looking for an agreement phrase to show your empathy towards someone's situation? You can use "I feel you" you match their emotional state and show them you're in agreement. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression "I feel you" comes from hip-hop culture. It's a street language expression used as an agreement or confirmation statement to what other people are saying or revealing about their life.
Unlike many other confirmation statements, "I feel you" differs because it has an empathetic tone and meaning behind it.
The person saying "I feel you" will feel an empathetic connection on an emotional level to what the speaker is saying. There is no sexual innuendo implied with the statement, and everyone can say it to anyone of any gender. The only qualifier is that they must say it using an empathetic tone of understanding to appear genuine.
"I feel you" means that you understand what the person is saying and what they are going through. It also implies that you are there to help, and the speaker can rely on you to confide in them.
Example Usage
"Man, I feel you about the rise in gas prices; it's killing me too. If we don't see a price reduction soon, I'm going to have to start cycling to work."
"I feel you, man. It's hard to go through something like that and just make a miraculous recovery. People need to understand that the healing process takes time."
"There's no way I'm going on that ride. I feel you. It's like an accident waiting to happen, and I'm not going to be the first victim."
"I feel you with that, bruh, it's how things are, and we have to learn to live with it, or it eats us alive."
"Look, I feel you with the whole Bonnie situation, but a man doesn't deserve to get thrown off a three-story balcony over massaging someone's feet."
"There's no way we're getting through this checkpoint without them seeing your fake ID. I feel you; let's get out of here."
"Alright, I feel you, big dogg. Don't get all hot and flustered around here. People are watching you right now, and if you do anything stupid, it's over."
Origin
The expression “I feel you” comes from hip-hop slang and street culture in the late 80s and 90s. It replaced the traditional “I understand you” or “I get you” with a more phonetic and emotional way of connecting with what people had to say.
It appears in many movies with street themes and in many hip-hop lyrics. It’s a popular way of saying that you empathize with the person's situation or what they are going through. The earliest recorded entry of the expression into the Urban Dictionary is in December 2001.
Phrases Similar to I Feel You
- I’m with you.
- I get you.
Phrases Opposite to I Feel You
- I disagree.
- No way.
What is the Correct Saying?
- I feel you.
Ways People May Say I Feel You Incorrectly
The phrase doesn’t refer to the physical action of “feeling” someone. It refers to feeling the words and emotional tone, providing confirmation of what they have to say.
It’s a way of telling someone that you have the same emotions and thoughts as them on the subject matter you’re discussing.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase I Feel You
You can use the phrase “I feel you” as a confirmation statement when you agree with what someone has to say. Typically, the person will be saying something profound that touches a nerve with you emotionally. It’s similar to the term “fosho,” but with more emotional attachment to it.
You can use the saying in social and professional situations. Use it at work when a colleague tells you they need a raise or they can’t afford to pay their rent this month. Use it at home when your partner tells you that they need to find a hobby to distract them from boredom.