So you encountered the explicit slang "FBGM" on TikTok and find yourself puzzled over its actual definition. You‘re not alone! Many people stumble upon confusing terms like this on their For You Page.
This comprehensive guide will demystify what FBGM means on TikTok, where it originated, and why it sparks debate. Read on to finally make sense of this questionable slang.
What is FBGM?
FBGM stands for the uncensored phrase "F* B**es, Get Money." A vulgar maxim focused on material gain and playboy lifestyle aspirations above all else.
While the acronym first entered pop culture via a 2017 T-Pain song describing a progressive, sexually fluid woman – modern usage tells a different story.
The Viral Sensation Bringing FBGM Into the Mainstream
In 2022, TikTok user @allyssaelaine posted a now-viral video venting about a man embodying what she dubbed "FBGM energy."
The clip now has over 500,000 likes and 8000 comments, many from confused viewers guessing at alternative meanings. @allyssaelaine later explained she was calling out the guy‘s underlying misogyny and dismissal of women‘s opinions in favor of his own perspective.
Watch the viral video bringing FBGM into mainstream attention below:
@allyssaelaine
♬ wanna die wanna die – 🩵
Unpacking the FBGM Mindset
We can characterize the "FBGM energy" called out by @allyssaelaine as prioritizing greed and material success over interpersonal connections.
When used positively, it conveys rugged masculine individualism focused on wealth and sexual domination. Of course, such an attitude tied closely to materialism and toxic ideas of masculinity promotes concerning gender stereotypes on both sides.
| Slang Term | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| FBGM | F* B**es, Get Money | Calling out questionable male attitudes, behaviors |
| Bros before hoes | Prioritizing male friends over women | Casual misogyny |
| MOE | Money Over Everything | Glorification of greed |
| GMGL | Get Money, Get Laid | Objectification and materialism |
Table comparing FBGM slang to related problematic phrases
Still, some continue using the phrase sincerely either for shock value or even as a genuine personal mantra. But where did this mindset originate before entering the TikTok lexicon?
The Complex Origins of FBGM in T-Pain‘s Song
FBGM first entered popular culture through an explicit T-Pain song describing a woman focused on making money and exploring sexual fluidity.
Analyzing the lyrics more closely, we find a narrative centered around a female figure proud of her progressive mindset and liberated sexuality.
"My girl, she bisexual, dawg and that turn me on…She made enough money to not need your pimpin‘"
Far from endorsing misogyny, the track seemed to celebrate female empowerment and shifting social norms. So how did FBGM morph on TikTok into calling out the most regressive male behaviors?
The Evolution of Slang: Different Meaning, Same Acronym
Such transformations frequently occur as provocative slang permeates online ecosystems. Phrases take on additional meanings or even directly oppositional connotations far from their initial contexts.
So while T-Pain‘s song conveyed progressive ideas for its time, FBGM emerged on TikTok as shorthand for materialism and female objectification. This reflects generational gaps in norms and values between musical artists and youthful social media crowds.
Is Casual Use of FBGM Problematic?
Given its modern associations with regressive gender stereotypes, regular usage of FBGM normalizes toxic attitudes. Even tossing the term around casually or satirically arguably does more harm than good.
Of course, explicitly calling out "FBGM energy" has value in critiquing the encapsulated behaviors. But sincere embrace of the FBGM mindset indicates internalization of concerning assumptions.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully this comprehensive guide brought clarity to confusion around the definition of this questionable slang. Breaking down the complex etymology reveals much about generational differences and evolutionary slang pathways.
While TikTok and other online ecosystems feature endless odd terms that perplex outsiders, taking time to research the meanings provides perspective. And sometimes, we find that supposedly edgy slang promotes attitudes society still needs to overcome.
