What Does Yiy Mean in Texts and Songs?

What does “yiy” mean?

“Yiy” is Jamaican Patois for “eye.” The slang term “yiy” (pronounced “eye”) came from Jamaican Patois, a Creole dialect that was shaped by Jamaican colonial heritage. The term became popular in U.S. hip hop culture after Popcaan released a mixtape called “Yiy Change” that rapper Drake later referenced in his song, “Controlla.” “Yiy change” can refer to your eyes changing color or size after doing drugs, or to a general change in your mindset. It can also mean to get some sleep or rest, especially after partying. Jamaican D.J. Popcaan also released a song called “Fry Yiy” that inspired the name for Night Owl Sound’s podcast, Fry Yiy Show. Popcaan said that “fry yiy” means “hot skull,” and refers to the short temper he had when he was younger.

“Yiy” might be used as the opposite of “yay.” In some circles, you might see “yiy” used in the opposite way that you would use “yay.” You might say “yiy” to express disappointment, dismay, or grief when something unfortunate happens.

“Yiy” can also be a misspelling of “you.” In text or on chatting apps like Snapchat, “yiy” might be mistakenly used instead of the word “you.” If someone sends you “yiy” and it doesn’t seem like they’re referencing the slang term or expressing disappointment, it might just be a typo. If you’re not sure whether someone’s use of “yiy” is a typo or not, ask them what they mean. The “O” and “U” keys are right next to the “Y” and “I” keys, which makes the typo an easy mistake to make.

Using & Replying to “Yiy”

Use “yiy” when you’re about to take a nap or get some rest. Whether you’ve just stayed up the whole night partying or pulled an all-nighter to study, you might use the word “yiy” or the phrase “change my yiy” to tell the other person that you really need some sleep. Just try to use the term respectfully and appropriately if you’re not Jamaican. You: “Man, I really need to change my yiy. We’ve been studying for our exam for hours.” Them: “For real, I’m exhausted!” You: “It’s been fun hanging out, but now I’m going to go home and rest my yiy.” Them: “Me too, I’m so tired.”

Say “yiy” when you’re disappointed about something. Whether a button pops off your shirt, you stubbed your toe on the table, or you just lost a competition, you might say “yiy.” Similar to saying “drat,” “ugh,” or “darn it,” use “yiy” when something slightly annoys or disheartens you. You: “Yiy, I didn’t win the raffle.” Them: “That really sucks, maybe you’ll win next time!” You: “I’m going to call her real quick. Wait, yiy! I don’t have her phone number!” Them: “I’ve got it, let me call her.”

Ask the other person if “yiy” is a typo. If someone says “yiy” in text and you’re not sure what they’re talking about, it never hurts to ask! Shoot them back a “?” or ask them to clarify so you’re both on the same page. Them: “What are yiy up to?” You: “?”Them: “Oops, sorry! I meant ‘you.’” Them: “Yiy want to hang out this weekend?” You: “What does ‘yiy’ mean?”Them: “Lol, I meant to type “you.””