Usage of “burn” as a form of mockery - How did it start?
I have come across numerous posts/memes on social media where, considering A,B and C are different people:
A posts something seemingly innocuous.
B comments on A's post, something either very funny or offensive to A
C comments "BURN!!" with some ROFL emoticons
Not the best question, but I am just curious why people say "BURN", when they need to mock/insult other people? (according to UrbanDictionary).
How did this usage come into existence?
Is this used only in social media? Or is it used in real world conversations as well?
etymology american-english social-media
edited Jan 11 '16 at 14:07
curiousdannii
4,51952639
asked Jan 11 '16 at 13:22
BiscuitBoy
11.7k756100
add a comment |
I have come across numerous posts/memes on social media where, considering A,B and C are different people:
A posts something seemingly innocuous.
B comments on A's post, something either very funny or offensive to A
C comments "BURN!!" with some ROFL emoticons
Not the best question, but I am just curious why people say "BURN", when they need to mock/insult other people? (according to UrbanDictionary).
How did this usage come into existence?
Is this used only in social media? Or is it used in real world conversations as well?
etymology american-english social-media
edited Jan 11 '16 at 14:07
curiousdannii
4,51952639
asked Jan 11 '16 at 13:22
BiscuitBoy
11.7k756100
Perhaps it is related to the act of flaming in response to the post to A by B, and commented on by C?
– IconDaemon
Jan 11 '16 at 13:30
add a comment |
I have come across numerous posts/memes on social media where, considering A,B and C are different people:
A posts something seemingly innocuous.
B comments on A's post, something either very funny or offensive to A
C comments "BURN!!" with some ROFL emoticons
Not the best question, but I am just curious why people say "BURN", when they need to mock/insult other people? (according to UrbanDictionary).
How did this usage come into existence?
Is this used only in social media? Or is it used in real world conversations as well?
etymology american-english social-media
edited Jan 11 '16 at 14:07
curiousdannii
4,51952639
asked Jan 11 '16 at 13:22
BiscuitBoy
11.7k756100
I have come across numerous posts/memes on social media where, considering A,B and C are different people:
A posts something seemingly innocuous.
B comments on A's post, something either very funny or offensive to A
C comments "BURN!!" with some ROFL emoticons
Not the best question, but I am just curious why people say "BURN", when they need to mock/insult other people? (according to UrbanDictionary).
How did this usage come into existence?
Is this used only in social media? Or is it used in real world conversations as well?
etymology american-english social-media
etymology american-english social-media
edited Jan 11 '16 at 14:07
curiousdannii
4,51952639
asked Jan 11 '16 at 13:22
BiscuitBoy
11.7k756100
edited Jan 11 '16 at 14:07
curiousdannii
4,51952639
asked Jan 11 '16 at 13:22
BiscuitBoy
11.7k756100
edited Jan 11 '16 at 14:07
curiousdannii
4,51952639
edited Jan 11 '16 at 14:07
curiousdannii
4,51952639
edited Jan 11 '16 at 14:07
curiousdannii
4,51952639
4,51952639
asked Jan 11 '16 at 13:22
BiscuitBoy
11.7k756100
asked Jan 11 '16 at 13:22
BiscuitBoy
11.7k756100
asked Jan 11 '16 at 13:22
BiscuitBoy
11.7k756100
11.7k756100
Perhaps it is related to the act of flaming in response to the post to A by B, and commented on by C?
– IconDaemon
Jan 11 '16 at 13:30
add a comment |
Perhaps it is related to the act of flaming in response to the post to A by B, and commented on by C?
– IconDaemon
Jan 11 '16 at 13:30
Perhaps it is related to the act of flaming in response to the post to A by B, and commented on by C?
– IconDaemon
Jan 11 '16 at 13:30
Perhaps it is related to the act of flaming in response to the post to A by B, and commented on by C?
– IconDaemon
Jan 11 '16 at 13:30
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
According to the UD burn (as a form of mockery) is an slang expression made popular by the "That 70's show."
- (slang): to disrespect someone (to diss); to make fun of someone; used by a third party after a first party makes fun of a second party. Brought back to life by the ever-popular That 70's show.
Urban Dictionary is crap
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:09
@Mitch - Crap: it.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=crap
– user66974
Jan 11 '16 at 14:11
1
Ooh... burn! Wait...
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:16
All I'm saying is that I think it makes ELU look bad if you're simply quoting UD. I'd hope ELU has better standards than UD.
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:17
1
@Mitch - UD has been used here before as a source. It is not the most reliable but it works at times. 4K+ upvotes may imply a plausible suggestion. I think it is worth citing in this case.
– user66974
Jan 11 '16 at 14:20
|
show 3 more comments
According to Wiktionary, the noun burn has the following meaning (No. 5) that fits in your context:
(slang) An intense non-physical sting, as left by an effective insult.
The above meaning is derived from its No. 1 meaning:
A physical injury caused by heat, cold, electricity, radiation or
caustic chemicals.
1
I upvoted this, but it would be better without the second half of the answer. I think the comments about burning in hell are not accurate to this context.
– Tim Ward
Jan 11 '16 at 15:17
@TimWard I agree. I deleted the second half. Thanks for your comment.
– user140086
Jan 11 '16 at 15:21
Actually I imagine the burn is from your cheeks flushed in embarrassment or anger rather than from caustic chemicals.
– Oldcat
Jan 11 '16 at 17:35
@Oldcat Yes, it could mean many things. When it is used on the internet, it is just an expression of hatred, contempt and scorn, etc.
– user140086
Jan 11 '16 at 17:41
add a comment |
I was in high school from 1972 to 1974 (a few years ahead of That 70s Show). I don't recall anyone ever using the expression "burn" to emphasize an insult. Did that program actually coin the expression? I do remember having a contest of sorts where we'd see how many hurtful insults we could sling at each other without pausing. It was brutal at times.
answered 18 mins ago
George Tirebiter
1
New contributor
George Tirebiter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
According to the UD burn (as a form of mockery) is an slang expression made popular by the "That 70's show."
- (slang): to disrespect someone (to diss); to make fun of someone; used by a third party after a first party makes fun of a second party. Brought back to life by the ever-popular That 70's show.
Urban Dictionary is crap
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:09
@Mitch - Crap: it.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=crap
– user66974
Jan 11 '16 at 14:11
1
Ooh... burn! Wait...
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:16
All I'm saying is that I think it makes ELU look bad if you're simply quoting UD. I'd hope ELU has better standards than UD.
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:17
1
@Mitch - UD has been used here before as a source. It is not the most reliable but it works at times. 4K+ upvotes may imply a plausible suggestion. I think it is worth citing in this case.
– user66974
Jan 11 '16 at 14:20
|
show 3 more comments
According to the UD burn (as a form of mockery) is an slang expression made popular by the "That 70's show."
- (slang): to disrespect someone (to diss); to make fun of someone; used by a third party after a first party makes fun of a second party. Brought back to life by the ever-popular That 70's show.
Urban Dictionary is crap
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:09
@Mitch - Crap: it.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=crap
– user66974
Jan 11 '16 at 14:11
1
Ooh... burn! Wait...
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:16
All I'm saying is that I think it makes ELU look bad if you're simply quoting UD. I'd hope ELU has better standards than UD.
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:17
1
@Mitch - UD has been used here before as a source. It is not the most reliable but it works at times. 4K+ upvotes may imply a plausible suggestion. I think it is worth citing in this case.
– user66974
Jan 11 '16 at 14:20
|
show 3 more comments
According to the UD burn (as a form of mockery) is an slang expression made popular by the "That 70's show."
- (slang): to disrespect someone (to diss); to make fun of someone; used by a third party after a first party makes fun of a second party. Brought back to life by the ever-popular That 70's show.
According to the UD burn (as a form of mockery) is an slang expression made popular by the "That 70's show."
- (slang): to disrespect someone (to diss); to make fun of someone; used by a third party after a first party makes fun of a second party. Brought back to life by the ever-popular That 70's show.
answered Jan 11 '16 at 14:03
user66974
Urban Dictionary is crap
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:09
@Mitch - Crap: it.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=crap
– user66974
Jan 11 '16 at 14:11
1
Ooh... burn! Wait...
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:16
All I'm saying is that I think it makes ELU look bad if you're simply quoting UD. I'd hope ELU has better standards than UD.
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:17
1
@Mitch - UD has been used here before as a source. It is not the most reliable but it works at times. 4K+ upvotes may imply a plausible suggestion. I think it is worth citing in this case.
– user66974
Jan 11 '16 at 14:20
|
show 3 more comments
Urban Dictionary is crap
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:09
@Mitch - Crap: it.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=crap
– user66974
Jan 11 '16 at 14:11
1
Ooh... burn! Wait...
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:16
All I'm saying is that I think it makes ELU look bad if you're simply quoting UD. I'd hope ELU has better standards than UD.
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:17
1
@Mitch - UD has been used here before as a source. It is not the most reliable but it works at times. 4K+ upvotes may imply a plausible suggestion. I think it is worth citing in this case.
– user66974
Jan 11 '16 at 14:20
Urban Dictionary is crap
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:09
Urban Dictionary is crap
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:09
@Mitch - Crap: it.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=crap
– user66974
Jan 11 '16 at 14:11
@Mitch - Crap: it.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=crap
– user66974
Jan 11 '16 at 14:11
1
1
Ooh... burn! Wait...
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:16
Ooh... burn! Wait...
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:16
All I'm saying is that I think it makes ELU look bad if you're simply quoting UD. I'd hope ELU has better standards than UD.
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:17
All I'm saying is that I think it makes ELU look bad if you're simply quoting UD. I'd hope ELU has better standards than UD.
– Mitch
Jan 11 '16 at 14:17
1
1
@Mitch - UD has been used here before as a source. It is not the most reliable but it works at times. 4K+ upvotes may imply a plausible suggestion. I think it is worth citing in this case.
– user66974
Jan 11 '16 at 14:20
@Mitch - UD has been used here before as a source. It is not the most reliable but it works at times. 4K+ upvotes may imply a plausible suggestion. I think it is worth citing in this case.
– user66974
Jan 11 '16 at 14:20
|
show 3 more comments
According to Wiktionary, the noun burn has the following meaning (No. 5) that fits in your context:
(slang) An intense non-physical sting, as left by an effective insult.
The above meaning is derived from its No. 1 meaning:
A physical injury caused by heat, cold, electricity, radiation or
caustic chemicals.
1
I upvoted this, but it would be better without the second half of the answer. I think the comments about burning in hell are not accurate to this context.
– Tim Ward
Jan 11 '16 at 15:17
@TimWard I agree. I deleted the second half. Thanks for your comment.
– user140086
Jan 11 '16 at 15:21
Actually I imagine the burn is from your cheeks flushed in embarrassment or anger rather than from caustic chemicals.
– Oldcat
Jan 11 '16 at 17:35
@Oldcat Yes, it could mean many things. When it is used on the internet, it is just an expression of hatred, contempt and scorn, etc.
– user140086
Jan 11 '16 at 17:41
add a comment |
According to Wiktionary, the noun burn has the following meaning (No. 5) that fits in your context:
(slang) An intense non-physical sting, as left by an effective insult.
The above meaning is derived from its No. 1 meaning:
A physical injury caused by heat, cold, electricity, radiation or
caustic chemicals.
1
I upvoted this, but it would be better without the second half of the answer. I think the comments about burning in hell are not accurate to this context.
– Tim Ward
Jan 11 '16 at 15:17
@TimWard I agree. I deleted the second half. Thanks for your comment.
– user140086
Jan 11 '16 at 15:21
Actually I imagine the burn is from your cheeks flushed in embarrassment or anger rather than from caustic chemicals.
– Oldcat
Jan 11 '16 at 17:35
@Oldcat Yes, it could mean many things. When it is used on the internet, it is just an expression of hatred, contempt and scorn, etc.
– user140086
Jan 11 '16 at 17:41
add a comment |
According to Wiktionary, the noun burn has the following meaning (No. 5) that fits in your context:
(slang) An intense non-physical sting, as left by an effective insult.
The above meaning is derived from its No. 1 meaning:
A physical injury caused by heat, cold, electricity, radiation or
caustic chemicals.
According to Wiktionary, the noun burn has the following meaning (No. 5) that fits in your context:
(slang) An intense non-physical sting, as left by an effective insult.
The above meaning is derived from its No. 1 meaning:
A physical injury caused by heat, cold, electricity, radiation or
caustic chemicals.
edited Jan 11 '16 at 15:21
answered Jan 11 '16 at 14:58
user140086
1
I upvoted this, but it would be better without the second half of the answer. I think the comments about burning in hell are not accurate to this context.
– Tim Ward
Jan 11 '16 at 15:17
@TimWard I agree. I deleted the second half. Thanks for your comment.
– user140086
Jan 11 '16 at 15:21
Actually I imagine the burn is from your cheeks flushed in embarrassment or anger rather than from caustic chemicals.
– Oldcat
Jan 11 '16 at 17:35
@Oldcat Yes, it could mean many things. When it is used on the internet, it is just an expression of hatred, contempt and scorn, etc.
– user140086
Jan 11 '16 at 17:41
add a comment |
1
I upvoted this, but it would be better without the second half of the answer. I think the comments about burning in hell are not accurate to this context.
– Tim Ward
Jan 11 '16 at 15:17
@TimWard I agree. I deleted the second half. Thanks for your comment.
– user140086
Jan 11 '16 at 15:21
Actually I imagine the burn is from your cheeks flushed in embarrassment or anger rather than from caustic chemicals.
– Oldcat
Jan 11 '16 at 17:35
@Oldcat Yes, it could mean many things. When it is used on the internet, it is just an expression of hatred, contempt and scorn, etc.
– user140086
Jan 11 '16 at 17:41
1
1
I upvoted this, but it would be better without the second half of the answer. I think the comments about burning in hell are not accurate to this context.
– Tim Ward
Jan 11 '16 at 15:17
I upvoted this, but it would be better without the second half of the answer. I think the comments about burning in hell are not accurate to this context.
– Tim Ward
Jan 11 '16 at 15:17
@TimWard I agree. I deleted the second half. Thanks for your comment.
– user140086
Jan 11 '16 at 15:21
@TimWard I agree. I deleted the second half. Thanks for your comment.
– user140086
Jan 11 '16 at 15:21
Actually I imagine the burn is from your cheeks flushed in embarrassment or anger rather than from caustic chemicals.
– Oldcat
Jan 11 '16 at 17:35
Actually I imagine the burn is from your cheeks flushed in embarrassment or anger rather than from caustic chemicals.
– Oldcat
Jan 11 '16 at 17:35
@Oldcat Yes, it could mean many things. When it is used on the internet, it is just an expression of hatred, contempt and scorn, etc.
– user140086
Jan 11 '16 at 17:41
@Oldcat Yes, it could mean many things. When it is used on the internet, it is just an expression of hatred, contempt and scorn, etc.
– user140086
Jan 11 '16 at 17:41
add a comment |
I was in high school from 1972 to 1974 (a few years ahead of That 70s Show). I don't recall anyone ever using the expression "burn" to emphasize an insult. Did that program actually coin the expression? I do remember having a contest of sorts where we'd see how many hurtful insults we could sling at each other without pausing. It was brutal at times.
answered 18 mins ago
George Tirebiter
1
New contributor
George Tirebiter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I was in high school from 1972 to 1974 (a few years ahead of That 70s Show). I don't recall anyone ever using the expression "burn" to emphasize an insult. Did that program actually coin the expression? I do remember having a contest of sorts where we'd see how many hurtful insults we could sling at each other without pausing. It was brutal at times.
answered 18 mins ago
George Tirebiter
1
New contributor
George Tirebiter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I was in high school from 1972 to 1974 (a few years ahead of That 70s Show). I don't recall anyone ever using the expression "burn" to emphasize an insult. Did that program actually coin the expression? I do remember having a contest of sorts where we'd see how many hurtful insults we could sling at each other without pausing. It was brutal at times.
answered 18 mins ago
George Tirebiter
1
New contributor
George Tirebiter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I was in high school from 1972 to 1974 (a few years ahead of That 70s Show). I don't recall anyone ever using the expression "burn" to emphasize an insult. Did that program actually coin the expression? I do remember having a contest of sorts where we'd see how many hurtful insults we could sling at each other without pausing. It was brutal at times.
answered 18 mins ago
George Tirebiter
1
New contributor
George Tirebiter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 18 mins ago
George Tirebiter
1
New contributor
George Tirebiter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 18 mins ago
George Tirebiter
1
answered 18 mins ago
George Tirebiter
1
1
New contributor
George Tirebiter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
George Tirebiter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
George Tirebiter is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
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Perhaps it is related to the act of flaming in response to the post to A by B, and commented on by C?
– IconDaemon
Jan 11 '16 at 13:30