Many of us went through what is typically referred to as an “emo phase” when we were younger. In some cases, you may be going through it even now.
If you are looking for an emo way to show your pleasure, “Rawr” is one of the best.
This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
“Rawr” has multiple meanings. Most commonly, it is used as an expression of great appreciation for something, or as a general indication of happiness. It may also be used to emphasize attraction between the person saying it and the person they are attracted to.
Less commonly, the phrase can also be used to show anger or annoyance, but it is typically used in a much more lighthearted manner. As mentioned in the introduction paragraph, this phrase is often used by people referred to as “emos” or those who are going through an “emo phrase”. But their use of the term has made it popular all across the Internet. More information can be found in the video (here).
Example Usage
“Aw, that cat is so cute! Rawr! I love him!”
“I cannot believe I have to write a five page paper by the end of the week. Rawr.”
“You are my best friend, Cathy. Rawr.”
“Rawr! Thanks for helping me with my homework, Molly!”
“My mom bought me a brand new phone yesterday! Rawr! I’m so happy.”
Origin
The phrase “rawr” gained immense popularity around the mid-2000s. The first online definitions of the term can be found between 2010 and 2015, and that is when it also started gaining popularity on different social media platforms. It was mainly used by teenagers in these early years, where it was used in a typical meme format.
The phrase quickly spread to become commonplace in online forums and texting. Over the years as “rawr” gained popularity is when it became adopted by the “emo” subculture, which mostly consisted of teenagers and young adults. The emo subculture was also incredibly popular during the early to late 2000s, so as more people joined the subculture and began using “rawr”, the phrase quickly gained a lot of popularity. The phrase is still used to this day on various social media and different chat platforms as a way of expressing love and appreciation, as discussed earlier. Merchandise, including shirts and mugs, with the word “rawr” on them, can even be found in various places online.
Phrases Similar to Rawr
- “Yarr”, like a pirate
- “Amp”, or “to be loud and angry”
- “Mack”, or “to flirt”
- “Spit”, also “to flirt”
- “ILY”, or “I love you”
Phrases Opposite to Rawr
- I hate you.
- Ew/disgust/etc.
- GTFO
- Go away.
- I hate this.
What is the Correct Saying?
- “Rawr” is itself the correct saying.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Rawr
“Rawr” can mean a variety of things, and so context is important when figuring out what a person intends when they use this phrase. Using this phrase to indicate most negative emotions, such as hate or disgust (aside from occasional annoyance or anger), would be incorrect, as “rawr” typically shows love or appreciation. Some ways that “rawr” is used incorrectly are:
- I hate this place! Rawr.
- I do not like you, Roy. Get away from me. Rawr.
- Rawr! That is disgusting!
- I really don’t want to be here anymore. Rawr.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Rawr
- I appreciate you helping me change my tire, Adam! Rawr!
- Thank you for helping me catch up on the physics notes I missed, Rebecca. Rawr!
- My parents just bought me a brand new car for my birthday! Rawr! I love it.
- Universal Studios is my favorite theme park. I am so excited to go tomorrow. Rawr!
- Coach just made me captain of the cheerleading team! I can’t wait to start! Rawr!