What Does Gurt Mean on TikTok? The Viral Slang Explained
TikTok’s ever-evolving slang can be confusing, but staying updated is key to understanding the platform’s humor and trends. In 2025, the word "gurt" exploded across TikTok, leaving many users and parents scratching their heads. Is it just a joke? Does it actually mean something? Here’s a deep dive into the origins, meaning, and usage of "gurt" and "gurting"—plus real reactions from social media and answers to your top questions.
The Origin of Gurt and the Yogurt Meme
The story of "gurt" starts with a simple pun: when you say "yogurt," it sounds like “yo, Gurt.” This silly play on words became a meme, with TikTokers creating videos where a character named Gurt responds to “yo” in increasingly absurd scenarios. The meme fits into TikTok’s "JuggTok" genre, known for its surreal, layered humor.
First Viral Use:
The meme took off after TikTok user @jdawg.157 posted a video in April 2025 introducing "gurt" as a new slang word, defining it as “doing something that’s very smart but also very dangerous.” The video quickly went viral, racking up over a million views and spawning countless imitators.
What Does Gurt Mean on TikTok?
The Main Meanings
-
Doing Something Smart but Dangerous:
-
The most widely accepted definition of "gurt" (or "gurting") is “when you do something that’s very smart but also very dangerous.” Think of it as a clever but risky move—like pulling off a stunt that could either go viral or go wrong.
-
-
Exaggerated or Extreme:
-
In some contexts, "gurt" is used to describe something over-the-top, intense, or absurd. For example, a wild reaction, a massive burger, or an outrageous outfit might be called “gurt” to emphasize its extremity.
-
-
Greeting ("Yo, Gurt"):
-
Less commonly, some users use "gurt" as a playful greeting, riffing on the original yogurt joke. You might see someone comment “gurt” as a way to say “yo” in a meme context.
-
Example Usages
-
“Want to go gurting?” – suggesting doing something clever but risky.
-
“Her reaction was totally gurt!” – meaning the reaction was wild or over-the-top.
-
“This burger is gurt, I can’t even!” – describing something as huge or intense.
-
“Gurt!” – as a meme greeting in comments or videos.
Why Did Gurt Go Viral?
-
Simple Humor: The yogurt pun is easy to get and repeat.
-
Meme Flexibility: "Gurt" can be used in jokes, greetings, or to describe wild situations.
-
Community Remix: TikTok’s remix culture means new slang can evolve and spread rapidly, especially when creators with large followings participate.
How to Use Gurt in Your TikTok Content
-
Describe risky stunts or clever moves: “That’s so gurt.”
-
React to something extreme: “Her fit is gurt, no cap.”
-
Join meme trends: Comment “gurt” on viral videos for in-joke clout.
-
Hashtags: Use #gurt, #gurting, and related trending tags for more reach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does "gurt" mean on TikTok?
It means doing something very smart but also very dangerous, or describing something as extreme or over-the-top.
Where did "gurt" come from?
It started as a yogurt pun (“yo, Gurt”) and evolved into a meme, then a slang term for risky cleverness.
Is "gurt" used outside TikTok?
Yes, it’s appeared on Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram, but its main home is still TikTok.
Can "gurt" be used as a greeting?
Sometimes, but this usage is less common. Most people use it to describe actions or situations.
