Category Archives: Folk speech

Not here to fuck spiders

The Informant

RF is an Australian young adult born and raised in New South Wales.

Text

[subject] [copula] “not here to fuck spiders…”

Use

Its meaning is akin to “not here to fuck around,” said sarcastically as a response to being asked what the purpose of presence is.

Person A: Oy, you here to be an ass or what?

Person B: Well, I’m not here to fuck spiders, am I?

Analysis

The phrase reveals two things about Australian culture, one being the prevalence of spiders in not only the Indigenous people but the English speaking settlers thanks to their prevalent natural presence that contributes to the wild reputation of Australian wildlife. The other insight this phrase offers about Australian culture is the casual, crass sense of humor, especially noted by snarky, dry sarcasm which may extend from the nation’s origins as exiles of the British who are also known for their dry sarcasm.

your so cute wat – Inside Joke

Nationality: American
Age: 19
Occupation: Stater Bros Employee
Residence: United States
Language: English

Text:

“your so cute wat”

Context:

“it originates from a old instagram post that my friend has on his account. Where one of his childhood friends commented that on the post. Me and my friends found it and thought it was hilarious. So now whenever my friends send me pictures of themselves or post something where we think they look pretty or cute. We’ll comment your so cute wat”

Analysis:

This phrase starts as something small as an instagram comment, which then quickly spreads into the informant’s friend group as a developed inside joke. It’s used in humorous contexts, but also with a deeper meaning of support and positivity between the friends. It differs from an original phrase of “you’re so cute,” where it consists of misspellings and an added word of ‘wat.’ These additions changed the phrase so it fit more with the friend group’s dynamics of support and humor, also making it unique as a comment and to the folk group itself.

Don’t be stressed be blessed – Proverb

Nationality: American
Age: 19
Occupation: Student
Residence: United States
Language: English

Text:

“Don’t be stressed be blessed”

Context:

“My friend from middle school. To me i use it as a way to alleviate tension when someone is expressing anxiety about a given situation…I use it satirically to bring a bit of humor into the conversation in an attempt to reduce the person’s stress.”

Analysis:

This phrase can take multiple forms for different contexts, but the informant, who learned it from a middle school friend, uses it ironically or sarcastically. Originally viewed as something positive or even religious, this oicotype represents a phrase that has been adapted to meet the group’s more humor focused culture. The informant also does it to alleviate stress, poking fun at the phrase, in order to uplift the mood in a way unique to the audience. Also, it is unique to a school environment as that culture fosters students who uses sarcasm to cope with stress.

The Jinn

Nationality: American
Age: 18
Occupation: University Student
Residence: Los Angeles, California

Age: 18
Date of Performance: 4/01/2025
Language: English
Nationality: American
Occupation: University Student
Primary Language: English
Residence: Los Angeles, California

Text:
“Jinns—there are evil ones, good ones, Muslim ones—they’re basically spirits. They can possess you. There are certain things you’re not supposed to do, like stare in the mirror too long, stay in the bathroom too long, or listen to music in there, especially if you’re naked. That attracts Jinns. If a Jinn falls in love with you, they can possess you, stop you from getting married, and even have children with you.”

Context:
The informant is Muslim and grew up with strong cultural and religious beliefs around the Jinn. These stories were often told in the household to reinforce behavioral norms and maintain spiritual awareness. The mention of Jinns falling in love adds a layer of romantic and paranormal tension to the legend.

Analysis:
The Jinn is a foundational concept in Islamic theology and Middle Eastern folklore, often acting as both a spiritual metaphor and a literal belief system. This legend highlights behaviors that might be seen as immodest or spiritually vulnerable, reinforcing modesty and spiritual caution. The romantic element—Jinns falling in love and disrupting relationships—adds a psychological dimension, providing an otherworldly explanation for earthly struggles in love or marriage.

El Cucuy

Nationality: American
Age: 19
Occupation: University Student
Residence: Los Angeles, California

Age: 18
Date of Performance: 3/30/2025
Language: English
Nationality: American
Occupation: University Student
Primary Language: English
Residence: Los Angeles, California

Legend Text:
“Today, I’m going to tell you about El Cucuy—also known as the Boogeyman. It’s a Spanish legend about a tall, shadowy figure who scares misbehaving children. In Spanish culture, they say El Cucuy watches you from outside your window, or even hides in your room under the bed. If you weren’t behaving, you had to run and hide in your room or he’d get you.”

Context:
The informant heard this story from older family members during gatherings, particularly when the kids were restless and waiting for food. It served both as a form of entertainment and discipline, using fear to encourage good behavior.

Analysis:
El Cucuy is a classic example of child-disciplining legends across cultures, akin to the American “Boogeyman.” In Latino households, it is commonly used to instill fear-based obedience. The figure of El Cucuy embodies abstract fear and serves as a warning against moral or behavioral failure. This version shares traits with global “dark watcher” figures like Slenderman, showing how traditional folklore adapts to modern imagery. The use of “under the bed” or “outside the window” roots the fear in a child’s intimate spaces.