Do you want an endearing way to compliment somebody? Do you want to let somebody know how attractive they are, without saying the same old basic pick-up lines? Maybe you heard someone refer to you or your friends as PYT and are not sure what they mean? If so, “PYT” means a pretty young thing is may be just what you were looking for. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The abbreviation “PYT” is shorthand for the phrase “pretty young thing”. It is used to complement a younger, attractive woman. It can also be used to make a comment about a woman’s appearance, as you may refer to her as a “PYT” to point out that she is young and beautiful. In most cases, it is used in a positive manner to indicate someone that is beautiful and young, typically a female. It can be used when referring to a young male, but this is less common.
The phrase may also mean “pull yourself together”, but this is not nearly as common as “pretty young thing”. Still, as always, context is very important when determining what the intended meaning of the phrase is by the user.
Example Usage
“That girl’s a PYT, isn’t she?”
“Stop being weak and try to pyt man!”
“Hey man, your girlfriend’s a PYT”.
“I am so tired of being the strong one here, so pyt and let’s get things done”.
“Have you met the new neighbors? Their daughter’s a PYT”.
“Oh, Emily? She’s such a PYT”.
“That piece of man flesh sure is a PYT that I would like to teach some new tricks”.
Origin
This phrase was popularized by the Michael Jackson song, “P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing)” which was released in 1982 on his famous Thriller album. That was where the phrase got its meaning, and why it is so well known today. It has been used in many other songs by musical artists, including John Gibbons and Kevin McHale. It has also become a staple in modern social media like Instagram or Snapchat, with people referring to others as a “PYT” almost on a daily basis.
Phrases Similar to PYT
- “EYT”, which means “extremely young thing”.
- “BYT”, which means “bright young thing”
- “Flaquita”, which translates to “skinny” in Spanish but is typically used as a compliment for an attractive woman who may be slim in stature.
- Attractive/beautiful/etc.
Phrases Opposite to PYT
- Unattractive/ugly/etc
- Old/older.
- “DUFF”, which means “dumb ugly fat friend”.
- “Busted”, which is a slang term for “ugly” or “unattractive”.
What is the Correct Saying?
- “PYT” – “Pretty young thing”
- “PYT” – “Pull yourself together”
Ways People May Incorrectly Say PYT
“PYT” is used to refer to a young, attractive woman. By that definition, using it to try to refer to someone who may be a little older, or who you do not find particularly attractive, would be incorrect. Saying, “she’s a PYT, I don’t find her attractive at all” or “she’s almost sixty, she’s a PYT” would be incorrect. Though subjectively, some people would argue that sixty is still young (especially if they are older than that), these two sentences would commonly be incorrect ways to use the phrase “PYT”.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase PYT
- Hey, PYT, you look good today.
- It is a good idea to put the PYT’s in the front to get more business, toss the regulars in the back.
- You’re a PYT, aren’t you?
- Try to watch out for weird old guys, you are a pyt and quite vulnerable.
- Your friend is a PYT.
- The girl that lives down the hall from me is a PYT.
- There is nothing wrong with spending a little extra money on a PYT every once in a while.
Pull yourself together:
- Stop whining and pyt!
- If you want to make it over the next hill, pyt and put on some speed.