What Does "Eepy" Mean & Why Are People Saying It So Much?

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Everything you need to know about the slang term that's all over TikTok

Co-authored by Cheyenne Main Reviewed by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones

Last Updated: August 12, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Eepy Meaning
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• Where did “eepy” come from?
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• How to Use "Eepy"
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• Similar Slang Terms
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• Tips

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If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok or the depths of the pet side of Instagram, you might have run across the word “eepy”—but what on earth does it mean? In short, “eepy” is just a clipped version of the word “sleepy.” Although it originally came from a meme of a meme, this popular slang term has reached across platforms and comment sections, taking the internet by storm. Keep reading to learn all about what “eepy” means, where it came from, and how to use it online or IRL.

Eepy Meaning

“Eepy” is a shortened version of the word “sleepy.” It’s usually used to describe cute, tired-looking animals and babies. However, some may use it to talk about themselves or affectionately describe their partner. “Eepy” comes from a misspelled Twitter (X) post of a sleepy kitten and quickly spread across platforms.

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Section 1 of 4:

What does “eepy” mean?

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1. 
   Eepy is a shortened, baby-talk version of the word “sleepy.” “Eepy” leaves the “S” and “L” off of the word “sleepy,” creating a cute internet slang term used all across social media. It’s primarily used to describe sleepy-looking animals and babies, but some may use it to talk about themselves or their tired partners.

   • For example, this TikTok by @montythecuddledog shows clips of an adorable blue heeler with the caption “so eepy.”
   • This Instagram post by @rartcattos shows an image of a tiny orange kitten with the text “so eepy” over it.
   • TikToker @georgialynnrose made a video of her girlfriend walking down the stairs with the text “pov: my gf takes a 3 hour nap while i’m at her house.” The caption says “she’s eepy.”
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Section 2 of 4:

Where did “eepy” come from?

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1. 
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   ”Eepy” comes from a misspelled Twitter (X) post of a sleepy kitten. On November 21, 2021, user @AnimalsCaption posted a GIF of a kitten falling asleep on the edge of a mug of coffee, captioned with “and why he eepy 😂.” The GIF went viral, inspiring other users on Twitter and other platforms to post photos and drawings of other “eepy” animals.

   • For example, on March 2, 2022, Instagram user @matthew.niverse posted a new video over the original GIF of a different cat falling asleep on a bed.
   • In September 2022, Instagram account @monkey.posting posted a screencap of the GIF with an image of a sleeping chimp pasted over it.
   • A TikTok sound made by user @jorblorn that says “The missile is very tired. He is eepy.” helped spread the term over the platform.
   • Other users began using the term “eepy” out of context, creating a new slang term for any cute and sleepy animal (or person).
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   The “Why he eepy?” meme is a reference to “Why he ourple?” The “Why he ourple?” meme came from a comment on a TikTok of a cat with inexplicably purple spots. The exact comment says “And why he ourple? 😂” and is believed to have influenced Twitter user @AnimalsCaption to caption their own GIF with “And why he eepy? 😂”

   • After the original comment was posted, it was later screenshotted and posted by Twitter user @bicfruntes, where it quickly spread.
   • In January 2022, iFunny user Hey_Kaminari posted a screenshot from the game Five Nights at Freddy’s of the purple protagonist Micheal Afton walking by while another character says “and why he ourple? 😂”
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Use "Eepy"

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   Describe cute animals as “eepy” if they look exhausted. You might post an adorable pic of a sleeping kitten and paste the word “eepy” over it, or call a cute dog eepy in person. If you see a post of a sleeping animal, you can comment that they look “eepy” or caption it with something like “when you have an essay due at midnight but you’re so very eepy.”

   • Aww, he looks so eepy today!
   • That kitten is desperately trying to beat the eepy allegations.
   • Why is my puppy so eepy? I feel like he sleeps all day.
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   Call your partner “eepy” if they’re super adorably sleepy. You might text and ask them if they’re feeling “eepy” or say they look “eepy” when they come home. If they’re comfortable with it, you might also post a fun skit or video online where you affectionately describe them as “eepy.”

   • I’m so eepy today, I really don’t want to go to work.
   • My boyfriend is so eepy. He worked all weekend!
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Section 4 of 4:

Similar Slang Terms

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1. 
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   Skrunkly “Skrunkly” is a term of endearment for an animal, character, or celebrity who looks cute in an eccentric, weird, or funky way. Although it’s not certain where this term came from, some believe that it was coined in a meme by Instagram user @mr.__vulpes in May 2021.

   • I love possums, they’re so skrunkly!
   • Look at this raccoon, he’s so skrunkly! I love him so much.
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   Velcro cat “Velcro cat” is used to describe a kitty who is always by your side, no matter what. They might constantly follow you, cuddle with you, or seek your attention when you’re focused on something else.

   • Meet my velcro cat, he likes to ride on my shoulders at all times.
   • I definitely have a velcro cat, she even follows me into the bathroom!
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   Doggo “Doggo” is a cutesy way of talking about a dog. No one’s sure when this word was coined, but it probably became popular in 2014 through a Facebook group called “Dogspotting.” The Twitter account @dog_rates also spread this adorable term. Although it’s less popular nowadays, some internet users still comment “doggo!” on cute pictures of pups.

   • Look at this doggo! I love him so much.
   • I have 4 adorable doggos. They’re all German shepherds!
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Tips

• “Eepy” may also be popular in the furry internet subculture, where people have a strong interest in humanoid animals.
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