Wondering about the meaning of “throwing up 4s” as it is widely used on TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat? Originally, it originated from a gang to show loyalty and unity; however, it is used more as slang and meme these days. This guide will explain in detail what throwing up 4s means along with its origin, uses, and examples.
What Does Throwing Up 4s Mean
Throwing up 4s is a hand gesture in which one shows the hand with four fingers and holding the thumb in. This expression was initially used to show affiliation, loyalty, or pride with certain gangs, such as Crisp. Later on, this slang term’s meaning evolved and it started to be used in memes and songs.
In meme context, throwing up 4s is defined in a joking manner to describe someone who gets no romantic attention or is humorously hinting at revealing a hidden trait about themselves. It is not a literal gesture but a meme or phrase used for comedic effect.
Examples
Example 1
Hazel: Bro why are you throwing up 4s in the picture?
Vera: It’s a joke. Why don’t you just search it out on the internet?
Example 2
Emilio: Do your gang members always throw up 4s?
Andres: Yeah, this is how we get recognized around the town.
Example 3
Sofía: Your rivals “5s” are joking with your gang by throwing up 4s in a funny way.
August: This is unbelievable. Let them tattoo for now.
Example 4
Elias: My friend always keeps throwing 4s at parties and everywhere.
Camila: Then this is apparent that your friend is not getting any love.
Audio Note Showing Throwing up 4s Use
What is Throwing up 4s Origin
Throwing up 4s originated from street and gang culture where hand signs developed as emblems to show alliance with a specific community. With time, memes, music, and sports help popularize the gestures which ultimately expands their meanings.
Throwing up 4s memes gives this phrase a fair boost in the slang world. On platforms like Urban Dictionary, users define various poke fun at the phrases that make it more versatile and make its significance heavier.
Heatmap to Understand its State Wide Usage
How Throwing Up 4s Became a Meme
Throwing Up 4s spread fast due to viral TikTok trends, and music culture. Memes have transformed the gesture into a humorous statement often used to poke fun at someone’s situation.
- TikTok Challenges: Viral videos show users throwing up 4s with captions like “when nobody texts me back.”
- Music Influence: Artists like @Slim reference the gesture to showcase pride or identity.
- Sports Influence: In some cases, athletes throw up 4s to symbolize the fourth quarter in a game to emphasize teamwork and unity.
A TikToker Creating Video on Throwing Up 4s
Final Tips
As this term can be used formally and informally in multiple contexts, it is best practice to understand in which sense it is used. If unsure, it is better to ask the individual in which context they have used throwing up 4s to avoid misunderstandings.
