The Urban Dictionary name trend explained

There’s nothing us Internet users love more than taking personality tests and oversharing on social media.

However, the latest trend that has been flooding Instagram Stories these past few weeks is none other than the “Show us ur name in Urban Dictionary” sticker.

Started by Instagram user @bymayuuu, the trend makes use of Instagram’s latest Add Yours sticker feature which allows users to share pictures in reply to another user’s sticker prompt.

To hop on the bandwagon, users simply have to search their names on Urban Dictionary before uploading a screenshot of their preferred definition onto their Story using the Add Yours button from the sticker prompt.

Before I get into the nitty-gritty about the trend and how it even started – just in case Patrick Star who lives under a rock is reading this – here’s a short introduction on what Urban Dictionary is.

As its name suggests, the website is a dictionary. But unlike regular glossaries, it’s crowdsourced and mainly defines slang words and informal terms, thus giving rise to the name Urban.

To illustrate, an entry level Internet slang word you can find on Urban Dictionary would be LOL, also known as Laughing Out Loud. Yes, the acronym is still relevant but only in ironic settings… unless you’re a boomer.

Another stark difference that really sets Urban Dictionary apart from its counterparts would be the sheer amount of profanities used in each definition. The contributors who form the backbone of Urban Dictionary curse as often as Gen-Zs use the word “like” in a sentence (don’t say I didn’t warn you). Truly an accurate reflection of the Internet.

Now, what exactly is this “Show us ur name in Urban Dictionary” sticker trend all about? Why are all these (potential) pick mes going ham over something as lame as a name search? And of all places, on Urban Dictionary?

Similar to personality tests, these name definitions give the people of the Internet something to identify with so that they can better understand themselves and even gain somewhat of an ego boost. 

As these definitions are written by contributors, they often paint a flattering picture of how the world perceives the different names. This allows readers to learn something they didn’t know about themselves, be it the way they are “the sweetest person in the world” or that they “give great advice” and are so unique and quirky, they remain “unfettered by society’s view of the acceptable”. Yes, I’m talking about you Cheryl.

That said, I do get how entertaining it is to scroll through these definitions and receive some sort of validation that you are the person you think you are and that it’s all thanks to your name, a special title you own and share with a few equally special others.

While this is the case for the majority of name definitions on Urban Dictionary, there are some unavoidable exceptions that don’t exude the same kind of warmth and love.

These name definitions are full of every thinkable swear word to ever exist in the cyber realm, mostly because the contributors were fuelled by personal vendetta when defining these names.

Here are some PG-13 examples of familiar names which I’ve painstakingly managed to sift out:

Isn’t it crazy how all of us, mere strangers lurking on the deep dark web, have such a universal understanding of those named Aloysius? All that thick cigarette smoke and deafening manyao really paid off huh.

Syafiqs are the reason why Singapore is full of skyscrapers. Apart from the CBD, you can probably find a Syafiq at an art gallery or doing some artsy-fartsy activity in their oversized vintage tee and khaki coloured Uniqlo pants. Nine chances out of 10, they’re carrying a staple off-white tote bag.

I can already picture it: Circular rimmed glasses and home cut bangs (probably by mom). This is the Chinese equivalent of girls named Chloe. There is simply no way you’ve never met at least one Jia Hui in your life. Not to be that person, but I feel like the parents of said people really did the bare minimum when naming them.

My condolences, if your name is Jia Hui. Or even worse, if your name is Chloe Tan Jia Hui. There’s probably hundreds of you.

Jokes aside, it’s about time this “Show us ur name in Urban Dictionary” trend dies out because, sorry Rachel, none of us care if you’re “the greatest person to ever exist”. You’re really not, considering that you’re doing this trend.