0596 It's giving. - English Idioms

Explanation

A phrase used to describe the vibe, essence, aura, or impression that something or someone evokes.
You complete the phrase with the specific quality being evoked (e.g., It's giving luxury, It's giving main character energy, It's giving desperation).
It's like saying It has the vibe of... or It reminds me of...

Origin

Originates in Black and Latino LGBTQ+ ballroom culture, similar to throwing shade.
In ballroom, judges might comment on a performer's presentation using phrases like It's giving face (serving great facial expressions) or It's giving realness (authentically portraying a category).
Popularized more broadly through social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter, often used humorously or critically, around the late 2010s and early 2020s.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

That's got [X] vibes. (e.g., That's got spooky vibes.)
It reads as... (Interpreting something's appearance/meaning)

Milder/Standard:

It seems... (e.g., It seems luxurious.)
It has a certain [quality]...
It gives the impression of...

Situational Appropriateness

Very informal and trendy.
Used mainly in casual conversation, social media, fashion/pop culture commentary.
Avoid in formal settings, academic writing, or professional communication, as it's slangy and potentially unclear to those unfamiliar with it.

Misunderstanding Warnings

The literal meaning of giving (to provide or bestow) is completely different. People unfamiliar with the slang will likely be confused.
The structure is very distinctive slang and might be perceived as grammatically incorrect or nonsensical outside of its specific cultural context.

Examples

Her new outfit is amazing. It's giving high fashion.
The way he decorated his tiny apartment? It's giving resourcefulness.
(Critically) His constant excuses are giving unprofessional.
(Humorously) This messy room is giving 'I'll clean it tomorrow'.

Dialogue

Alex: Check out the trailer for that new sci-fi movie.

Ben: Ooh, okay... watched it.

Alex: What do you think?

Ben: Honestly? It's giving low-budget B-movie. The special effects looked rough.

Alex: Haha, harsh! I thought it was giving retro-cool.

Response Patterns

Agreement: Right? / Totally. / I see it. / Exactly what I thought.
Disagreement: Really? I don't get that vibe. / Hmm, I see it differently.
Asking for clarification: What do you mean, giving [something]? / Why do you say that?
Adding to the description: Yes, and also giving a little bit of...

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone says It's giving...:

Elaborate on the observation: Especially the way the fabric drapes...
Discuss the accuracy of the vibe: Is that what they were going for?
Compare it to other things: It reminds me of...

After hearing It's giving...:

Look more closely at the subject being described.
Offer your own assessment/vibe check.

Conversation Starter

Yes, can be used to offer an observation about something or someone, starting a conversation about that perception. (This cafe design is interesting. It's giving cozy.)

Intonation

Typically, the stress is on giving and the descriptive word(s) that follow. It's GIVING high FASHION.
Often delivered with a knowing, observant, or slightly judgmental tone, depending on the context (appreciative, critical, humorous).

Generation Differences

Heavily used by Gen Z and younger Millennials, especially those active on platforms like TikTok.
Less likely to be used or understood by older generations.

Regional Variations

Originated in US Black/Queer communities but has spread globally via the internet, particularly among youth.

Hits different

🎲 Main character energy

[0596] It's giving.