What does it mean when TikTokers put two fingers on their arm? Odd pointing trend explained

TikTok users are putting two fingers on their arm all the time, and no one quite knows what it means. 

The gesture looks similar to the one you do when you’re checking your pulse, however, there’s nothing medical about it. Still, people are sort of baffled by it. 

What does it mean to put two fingers on your arm on TikTok?

The meaning of the gesture has changed over time. It was first popularized by former Lakers player DeAngelo Russell, who did the pose in celebration after scoring.

It meant “ice in my veins,” which is a play on cold-blooded, or “ruthlessly competitive and skilled at the game of basketball,” according to TikTok historian @kahlilgreene.

Over time, as many TikTok trends do, the gesture came to be considered “Gen Z culture” rather than Black culture. It took on a new meaning.

@izzihunter

she won’t tell me who it is and it makes me wanna know more #foryou #foryoupage #fyp

♬ Hayloft – Mother Mother

The pose is now used to signal the person is revealing some sort of inherent truth or reality about themselves. In true TikTok fashion, it’s usually ironic or humorous. 

Izzi Hunter did the trend to reveal that her mother had an affair with a famous football player who could have been her dad.

The trend is often set to the song “Hayloft” by Mother Mother — specifically the “it started with a hayloft uh it started with a hey,” part.

Here are some examples of the trend:

When Mariana Cabrera did it, it was basically to make fun of the trend itself. Her caption read, “another f***ing TikTok trend,” as she tapped her forearm with two fingers. 

“I don’t understand that trend of pointing to your elbow, someone please tell me what it means,” a user commented. 

“Maybe you’ll be the one to bring that trend back,” another said. 

https://www.tiktok.com/@boogereater2.0/video/6937068691938921734

Madisyn Amia made a skit at The Virgin Mary and pointed to her arm when she invented Christianity to conceal her child out of wedlock. 

Zena Shurrab used the trend to make fun of herself. After saying she walked around with a “god complex” all day, she pointed to her arm. The caption read: “my inferiority complex.” 

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