YOLO
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Acronym of you only live once, i.e. expressing the view that one should make the most of the present moment.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Making this cake mix eleven years past the expiration date, because YOLO!
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “YOLO” mean?
Acronym of you only live once, i.e. expressing the view that one should make the most of the present moment.
Is “YOLO” formal or informal?
YOLO is generally slang.