Wanting to send a message of full and unyielding support to someone? Maybe you have your friends back no matter what the circumstances? Are you looking for a quick way to assure your friend or loved one that you are on their side? If so, you can use IGY6 as a way to convey total loyalty and that you’ll be there to offer a helping hand no matter what. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
IGY6 stands for I have your six. In military terms, this means that you are watching a pilot’s rear position. In everyday life, it means that you have someone’s back. The terms are meant to showcase the feeling of loyalty and cooperation in both military cultures and in civilian cultures. It’s a genuine show of direct backing and sending essential guidance. Best used to offer someone strength when there are at their weakest or most vulnerable time in their life.
It means, “I Got Your Back” in more succinct terms. The message is used to let all those receiving this message that they are sending support and protection. Sometimes the circumstances are such that you want to send someone a show of unity and they will be there to watch out for them when they need it the most.
Example Usage
“Don’t worry, IGY6”
“If you ever need anything IGY6”
“IGY6, let me know if you need anything”
“Don’t worry, IGY6”
“Charlie, you don’t have to think about the worst case scenario when IGY6”.
“In case of an emergency, IGY6”
“Forget about everything else and focus on the goal, IGY6”
Origin
The six stands for six o’clock which symbolizes the position directly behind you. It’s a military term used to mean behind you. Specifically, the term was coined during WWI amongst American fighter pilots. The term was used to signal fighter pilots in the air that their rear was being covered by a companion aircraft.
IGY6 or "I Got Your Six” is a ubiquitous term used in the army towards a fellow warrior meaning "I am watching your back." Receiving that phrase during a chaotic, overwhelming, and stressful situation gives military members or first responders, a sense of comfort knowing they are not in the fight alone.
At one point there was a public campaign that was launched by the entertainment industry in partnership with the veteran community. The goal was to help promote veterans and their families as community leaders. The campaign was also used to help raise funds and awareness for veterans’ affairs
Phrases Similar to IGY6
- GBU - God bless you
- HTH - Hope this helps
- RUOK - Are you okay?
- LMK means Let me know.
- ILY means I love you.
- HELP - Hope, Love, Encouragement, Patience
Phrases Opposite to IGY6
- BLNT - Better luck next time
- NOYB - None of your business
- STFU - Shut the f*** up
- TL;DR: Too long, didn’t read
- DIY: Do it yourself
- N/A: Not applicable or not available
- OOO: Out of office
What is The Correct Saying?
- IGY6 - I Got Your six o’clock (I got your back)
Ways People May Incorrectly Say IGY6
The term is used as a show of support, it can be misused when spoken sarcastically or used out of context. For example, saying, “yeah, sure, IGY6 “as a way to mock or ridicule is improper usage. In addition, using the term out of context in situations where backup not needed is also another common mistake.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase IGY6
- When the night gets tough and you think you are all alone, just remember that IGY6.
- Heading out into deep water can be scary, but IGY^, so don’t think about getting ambushed by a shark,
- I am your best friend, as such, IGY6 now and forever.
- There is nothing you can do that will break us up, after all, IGY6 in this life and the next.