Watch out for Can't We Be Skibidi

What is “Can’t We Be Skibidi?”

Consider this a PSA (Parent Service Announcement!) In the ever growing list of Gen Alpha slang, you may now hear a catchy earworm “Can’t We Be Skibidi?” or a reference to “Heathers Brainrot,” which is trending on TikTok. Cast from Heathers the Musical released a parody reprise of their song Seventeen.

Not only is the music catchy, but the lyrics are an absurd blend of slang. I dug around to dive into the lyrics, though, and it’s not kid-friendly.  

Much of it is harmless, referencing words like

• Skibidi: Originating from the somewhat nonsensical, dystopian Skibidi Toilet YouTube series, skibidi as an adjective can confusingly mean good, bad, cool, evil. It’s generally nonsense.

• Rizz: The ability to woo or charm; essentially charisma.

But then there’s “Don’t stop edging to my gyatt”

• Edging is a term for delaying sexual release

• Gyatt is slang for butt, generally a big butt

So you might want to keep an ear out for the song and have a conversation about it, if needed.

Memes to Support Humor Development

Riddles, jokes, and knock knocks are all developmentally appropriate parts of a child’s developing sense of humor. Creating memes together is another way to help support their learning and engage in smart screen time.

• Pick a classic meme and make your own version. Google slides is one easy way to add text to an image.

• Add captions to your own photos to create new memes.

• Or pick trending meme phrases and stage photos for them. (Depending on the age of your child, you may want to pick a few memes as there’s no such guarantee of a safe or innocent trending meme on socials.)

I made my own version of the “I sentence you” meme that’s going around TikTok. It led to a deep dive on dog humor.

As you’re creating the memes, some conversation starters

• What makes this meme funny to you?

• Why do you think people share memes?

• How would you react if you were in this meme?

• How can we make sure the memes we create are kind and respectful?

• What should we be careful about when sharing memes online?

Bonus: Where “meme” comes from (NY Times)

Have a wonderful week!

Blue skies,
Carla