What Does “Rawr” Mean & Why Do People Say It?

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Discover the definition, uses, and history of this cute slang word
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Maybe your crush texted you “rawr!” or you’ve seen people use it on TikTok or tumblr, and you’re left scratching your head. What does it mean? “Rawr” is actually a slang way to express affection, in a “dinosaur” way. Huh? If you’re still scratching your head, keep reading! We’ll dive into the meaning of the word, its history and origins—and how to use it yourself, so you know just how to respond to that text from your crush! 🦕

“Rawr” Meaning

“Rawr” is an internet slang word that means “I love you.” Meant to sound like a cutesy dinosaur’s roar, “rawr” is used as an interjection in text and online communication to express affection and sometimes sexual attraction. The word is mostly used in romantic interactions, but could be used in platonic conversations.

Section 1 of 4:

What does “rawr” mean?

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  1. The word is an imitation of a dinosaur’s roar, used to express how a dinosaur might show affection—and perhaps sexual attraction—to someone. Commonly associated with the emo aesthetic and “LOL so random” humor, the cutesy little growl serves as an interjection in text and online communication. [1]
    • “Rawr” is a way to show playful or friendly affection without being too vulnerable and open.
    • The word is typically used as an interjection (e.g., “Rawr! I love you!”) but is also sometimes used as a verb (e.g., “I rawr these cookies so much!”).
    • Rawr! You’re my best friend!
    • Rawr! I’m going to eat you up!
    • I miss you! Rawr! 🦕
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Section 2 of 4:

“Rawr” Origins

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  1. “Rawr” (often accompanied by the emoticon XD) became linked to teenagers in the emo and scene subcultures of the internet. Illustrations circulated online (especially on DeviantArt) of dinosaurs with the words “Rawr! It means I love you in dinosaur.” [2]
    • The term grew in popularity over the decades via viral posts like DeviantArt user SilentReaper’s illustration of a dinosaur entitled “OMG RAWR XD” in 2004, or Facebook user Bardock Obama’s 2015 status that read, “‘Rawr XD’ means ‘Ima eat ya a**’ in dinosaur.”
    • While the word was and is considered by some people to be a “cringe” and infantile way to disguise authentic feelings under playfulness, it’s also, paradoxically, reflective of emo and scene kids’ originality and rejection of social norms.
Section 3 of 4:

How to Use “Rawr” in Everyday Conversation

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  1. “Rawr” is a super fun and playful way to show you care about someone. While some people consider it infantile and cringe, for many, it’s a cute and friendly way to say “I love you.” And still, for others, it’s funny in an ironic post-cringe kind of way. Tl;dr, have fun with it! [3]
    • Rawr! I haven’t seen you in ages! Let’s hang out!
    • I rawr you so much!
    • Rawr! You’re my best friend.
  2. One of the great things about “rawr” is that it shows you care—but it’s not as overt as saying, “I’m madly in love with you” or “I want your body.” Next time you’re chatting with your crush and you want to tentatively take things up a notch, text them, “Rawr!” and see how they respond. If they “rawr” back? It’s kismet. If they say nothing? Well, maybe they just didn’t get it.
    • Rawr! What are you up to?
    • Rawr XD! I’m so lonely without you!
    • Come over! Rawr!
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Section 4 of 4:

Other Fun 2000s Slang Terms

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  1. "Rawr" is one of many fun and silly millennial slang words . Add these other 2000s slang terms and phrases to your vocabulary, and then take our quiz to find out if you're really a millennial or a zoomer!
    • Smexy: Sexy and smart [4]
    • No sh*t, Sherlock: Duh!
    • ROFLCOPTER: A superlative of ROFL (“rolling on floor laughing”) [5]
    • Fo shizzle: Definitely!
    • Chillax: Relax

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      References

      1. ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/rawr-xd
      2. ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/rawr-xd
      3. ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/rawr-xd
      4. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/smexy/
      5. ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/roflcopter

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