What does 'YOLO' stand for?

“YOLO” stands for “You Only Live Once.” The expression encourages people to make the most of life, often by trying something exciting or taking a risk instead of worrying excessively about possible consequences.

The sentiment is older than the acronym. Similar ideas appear in earlier sayings about having only one life, but “YOLO” became a hugely recognizable piece of internet slang in 2012. Its popularity grew after Canadian rapper Drake used it prominently in his song “The Motto,” released in late 2011.

Online, YOLO has been used both sincerely and humorously. It can justify travel, spontaneous plans, or indulgent choices, but it is also frequently used ironically when someone makes a reckless decision. That humorous use is why the term often appears in captions, hashtags, memes, and parody merchandise.

YOLO is sometimes confused with a general command to act without consequences. Its original sense is closer to a reminder that life is limited, although the phrase is commonly shortened in practice to mean “take the chance.”