If you watch YouTube a lot and play the game Fortnite at all, then you are probably familiar with the acronym “LIGMA”. If you don’t and the term is confusing you, then please read on for a detailed explanation. Here you will find the meaning for this acronym and the story of its origin.
You will also find some examples of how the term can be used properly in social posts, conversations. Finally, you will see some suggestions for alternate words or phrases you can use to replace this term but yet still convey the same meaning.
LIGMA Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- “Ligma” is an internet slang term that originated as part of a humorous online prank and is not a real word with an actual meaning. The term was popularized in 2018 as part of a joke, where someone would bait others into asking “What’s Ligma?” The punchline is a crude or absurd response, typically revealing the setup as a joke.
What Does LIGMA Mean?
“LIGMA” is technically a slang acronym. However, it has no specific words it stands for. “LIGMA” is a fake disease that was made up on the internet by users and it is said to be the disease that most streamers of the game Fortnite suffer from. It is a joke meaning it was intentionally made so someone would ask you what “LIGMA” was and then receive a punchline that relies on wordplay and is intended to trick the listener into setting up a joke.
This type of joke is often used in online forums, social media, and gaming communities. It’s important to note that this type of language and humor can be offensive and is not appropriate for all audiences.
Origin of LIGMA
The origin of the slang acronym “LIGMA” occurred in 2018 when an Instagram user by the name of Ninja_Hater posted a picture online insinuating to his friends that the popular YouTube Fortnite streamer Ninja had died of LIGMA. Although it was meant to be a joke for only his friends to see so they would ask what “LIGMA” was and he could give them the reply, other users saw the post on Instagram and the picture was shared and soon went viral.
Other popular YouTube streamers and even Ninja himself eventually saw the post and prompted Ninja to ask what “LIGMA” was. Falling for the joke, user after user responded, flooding the post. Since then, people have been using the slang term “LIGMA,” especially on the internet through the use of memes.
Usage of LIGMA
Casual Conversation or Online Chats
To bait a friend into falling for the joke.
- Friend 1: “Did you hear about that guy who got Ligma?”
- Friend 2: “What’s Ligma?”
- Friend 1: (delivers the punchline)
Gaming Community (Especially on Twitch)
Often used as a joke in gaming or streaming chats, especially with unsuspecting players.
- Player 1: “I heard there’s a new bug called Ligma in the game.”
- Player 2: “Really? What’s Ligma?”
- Player 1: (delivers the punchline)
Social Media Posts
Used in a meme format or as part of a viral joke.
- Twitter Post: “Everyone keeps talking about Ligma these days… smh 😂 #GotEm”
Instagram Story:
- Caption: “Anyone else worried about getting Ligma? 😅”
In Jokes Among Friends or as Ice Breakers
Friends may use it to playfully trick each other or break the ice with humor.
- Friend: “My cousin was telling me about something called Ligma. Sounds serious!”
- Another Friend: “Oh no! What’s Ligma?”
- Friend: (delivers punchline)
Related Terms to LIGMA
- Sugma: Similar to Ligma, it’s used to bait someone into asking “What’s Sugma?” The punchline follows with a humorous or crude answer.
- Bofa: This term prompts the question “What’s Bofa?” and is followed by a punchline. It became popular in meme culture and is often seen in online chats.
- Candice: Another bait term, where someone says something like, “Did you hear about Candice?” to get the response, “Who’s Candice?” followed by a punchline.
- Updog: A classic joke that involves saying “Do you smell updog in here?” and waiting for the question “What’s updog?” The punchline reveals the joke.
- Deez Nuts: Popularized in the 1990s and revived in meme culture, it involves getting someone to ask a question or respond, setting up the punchline of “Deez Nuts.”
- Joe Mama: Often used in response to a question involving “Joe.” For example, if someone mentions “Joe,” the other person might respond with “Joe Mama” as a playful joke.
- Wendy’s: This joke involves saying something like “Have you tried Wendy’s?” with the punchline ready if someone asks “What’s Wendy’s?”
- Imagine Dragons: Sometimes used in meme culture as a bait for a punchline when someone mentions the band’s name, leading to a humorous response.
- Mind Goblin: Similar in structure, someone might mention “Mind Goblin” to get someone to ask what it is, leading to a punchline.
- Saw Con: Typically, someone will mention they’re going to “Saw Con” and wait for someone to ask “What’s Saw Con?” leading to the setup of a humorous punchline.
Alternatives to “LIGMA”
There are a few phrases you could use in place of the acronym “LIGMA” to convey the same meaning and keep the effect of the joke. Some of the things you could use instead include:
- deez nuts
- BOFA, as in BOFA deez nuts
Examples of “LIGMA”
A text message between two friends:
- Friend 1: I can’t believe I fell for that today!
- Friend 2: Fell for what?
- Friend 1: Jack said he had LIGMA and had only a couple of days to live.
- Friend 2: What the hell is LIGMA?
- Friend 1: OMG! You mean you don’t know either?
- Friend 2: No!
- Friend 1: Ligma balls!
- Friend 2: <.< >.> Really? *rolls eyes*
An online conversation between two game players:
- Player 1: Did you hear they aren’t going to be making any more versions of this game?
- Player 2: For real? Why not?
- Player 1: Because the creator of the game recently passed away from LIGMA.
- Player 2: LIGMA? Never heard of it!
- Player 1: Gotcha! It was a joke all along!