What Does Chill Mean? Understanding “Netflix and Chill”

"Chill" is a word that has been making waves in modern lingo, especially among the youth, and it's time we uncover what this trendy term is all about.

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The term “chill” has become increasingly popular among Gen Z, especially after Den Vâu’s hit song, “Bài này chill phết.” But do you know the true meaning of “Netflix and chill”? Let’s explore these fascinating expressions together!

1 What Does “Chill” Mean? Where Does It Come From?

What is Chill?

Literally, the word “chill” means shivering cold.

In music, there is a genre called “Chillout” that is popular worldwide. These songs have a slow and gentle melody, helping listeners to “chill,” meaning to relax and unwind after a tiring day.

In Vietnamese, “Chill” is often used as an exclamation, usually combined with “phết” to form the phrase “Chill phết,” similar to “vui phết” or “sướng phết.” “Phết” emphasizes the word it accompanies. “Chill phết” expresses an action or event that is fun and relaxing.

When Did “Chill” Become Popular?

Ever since Den Vâu’s song “Bài này chill phết” gained popularity, the term “chill” has been increasingly used in the daily conversations of young people. The momentum continued with the release of Chillies’ song “Cứ chill thôi,” which further boosted the appeal of the word. With its cheerful and gentle melody, “Cứ chill thôi” was warmly received by the audience.

Den Vâu and Min’s song “Bài này chill phết”:

Additionally, young people often invite each other to “go chill,” which means hanging out and going to places they enjoy to relax and forget their daily fatigue. The destinations for “going chill” can vary, ranging from bars and pubs to familiar restaurants and cafes.

How to Use the Word “Chill”

How to Use “Chill”

Chill can function as a noun, verb, or adjective in a sentence, with the following meanings:

  • Noun: Coldness, chillness, etc.
  • Verb: To chill, to refrigerate
  • Adjective: Chilly

If someone asks you what you’re doing while you’re relaxing or engaging in a leisurely activity, you can say:

– “What are you doing?”

– “I’m just chilling.”

Chill out

Additionally, the phrase “chill out” means “calm down” and is often used to encourage and motivate others.

For example: “Let’s chill out! Everything will be okay.”

Let’s chill!

This phrase is synonymous with “let’s hang out” and is commonly used when you want to invite someone to “go chill,” have fun, or de-stress.

He/She is chill!

When you want to compliment someone’s style or appearance as cool but don’t know how to express it, say, “He/She is chill.” This phrase captures that sentiment perfectly.

2 What Is “Netflix and Chill”? Where Does It Come From?

Origin of Netflix and Chill

In addition to the word “chill,” the phrase “Netflix and chill” has also become prevalent among young people and on social media.

When you hear “Netflix and chill,” you might think of cozying up on the couch, watching your favorite show on Netflix, and snacking on some chips, right? Well, think again!

According to Urban Dictionary, “Netflix and chill” is a code phrase for inviting someone (a friend or a romantic partner) over to your place for sexual activities. (Original text: “Code for two people going to each other’s houses and fucking or doing other sexual related acts.”)

When Did “Netflix and Chill” Become Popular?

Back in 2009, on Twitter in the US, this phrase simply meant relaxing and watching movies at home. However, in 2015, a tweet by Netflix changed its meaning to something more suggestive, and it has been popular ever since.

“Netflix and chill” gained so much traction that, in 2016, Airbnb introduced a “Netflix and chill” themed service, and by 2020, Ben & Jerry’s launched an ice cream flavor with the same theme. It has even made its way into dating apps.

Airbnb’s “Netflix and chill” room

How to Use the Phrase “Netflix and Chill”

Using “Netflix and Chill”

As mentioned earlier, the phrase “Netflix and chill” carries a rather sensitive connotation, so it’s essential to use it judiciously and only with the right audience to avoid any misunderstandings.

For example, you could say to your partner: “Hey, how about some Netflix and chill tonight?”

Further reading: ? Origin and Meaning

Now you know the meanings of “chill” and “Netflix and chill.” We hope you’ll use these terms appropriately and at the right time!

Frequently asked questions

In the context of ‘Netflix and chill’, ‘chill’ refers to a casual get-together, often with romantic or sexual intentions. It suggests a low-key and relaxed atmosphere, where people can hang out, watch movies or TV shows (specifically Netflix), and potentially engage in intimate activities.

While the phrase often carries sexual connotations, it doesn’t necessarily imply that sexual activities will occur. It depends on the context and the individuals involved. Sometimes, ‘Netflix and chill’ can simply mean spending time with someone and enjoying a movie or show together without any further expectations.

The exact origins are unclear, but the phrase gained popularity in the early 2010s, particularly through social media and texting. It became a convenient and subtle way for people, especially younger generations, to express their intentions or suggest a casual hookup while seemingly proposing an innocent movie night.

There are a few variations and similar phrases, such as ‘chill and Netflix’, ‘chill and watch Netflix’, or simply ‘Netflix night’. These phrases all convey a similar idea of a relaxed evening with potential romantic or sexual undertones.

Absolutely! The phrase can also be used among friends who have no romantic or sexual intentions. In this case, it simply refers to hanging out, watching Netflix, and enjoying each other’s company in a casual and comfortable setting.