Have you heard someone ask you to go and touch grass lately? And unless you are aware of the new term that has been doing its round on the internet, you may do the same. But in this context, Touch grass meaning is not an instruction wherein you are asked to go and feel the grass outside the park. Instead, it is a term that means “you must come back to reality” or “get off the net and go out.”
In this write-up, let us find out more about the same.
If you want to know to ‘go touch grass meaning’, it is an internet idiom that has become quite popular. But it is better if you restrict the use of this idiom because it is an insult. It is addressed to someone who seems to be cut off from reality and is engrossed in social media.
It has become a meme, and you will find that many images depict an individual touching grass.
How new is the ‘Go Touch Grass’ term?
While the term “go touch grass” is an invention, there are few familiar idioms in English with which it shares many similarities. Just as the online version of the idiom means coming back to reality, it also means going out and getting some fresh air. As such, “touch grass” is antagonistic. A similar one is ‘get with the program,’ which implies that you agree to something correct.
How did the term ‘Go Touch Grass’ originate?
Only in the latter part of 2020 and towards the beginning of 2021 did this term gain popularity online. This term was included in the Urban Dictionary at the beginning of 2021.
What is the reason for its popularity?
One of the biggest reasons why it has become so popular is that people during the lockdown used to stay glued to the internet and social media platforms. Most of the time during social media, people had a fiery affair with the computer screen, which eventually affected their quality of life.
Up to a time, people could not stir out of the house for their day-to-day activities. Online presence was the only option that they were left with to stay connected with everyone. As such, it was seen that Twitter gradually found that this term had been returning to the microblogging site.
Honest feedback or insult?
We have seen that touch grass has three meanings. But the line between these 3 meanings can get very blurred.
The first one indicates a lighthearted satire. Individuals are excessively internet-driven or addicted to it or rather obsessed with the virtual world. It is a way of telling them.
The second meaning is when it is used as a response to antisocial behavior or a behavior that is not usual. For instance, you get a couple of hate comments, and you respond to them with the term.
The third one is regarded as a retort of a comeback to a social media platform.
Although it is an insult, it can be helpful in compelling you to stay away from the internet and spend some time in the real world. Rather proceed to touch grass for your own benefits.
