What Does “My Ball” Mean on TikTok?

Download Article

Explore the origins of the slang phrase and how to use it

Co-authored by Luke Smith, MFA Reviewed by Candace Gasper

Last Updated: September 5, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

Meaning

|

Origin

|

Using “My Ball”

|

Is “my ball” problematic?

|

Similar Terms

|

Video

You might’ve heard people online saying things like, “I love my ball,” or, “My ball is everything to me,” but what do they mean by that? Basically, “my ball” is a new slang way to refer to your girlfriend or partner. We’ll tell you all about what it means, where it came from, and how to use it (and if you should).

“My Ball” Definition

“My ball” is a recent slang phrase that means “my girl” or “my partner.” It’s affectionate and positive, and was popularized by rapper and streamer DDG. DDG said on a stream that he took inspiration from NBA legend LeBron James, who, in a viral moment, asked, “It ain’t our ball?” when he was confused about possession.

Section 1 of 5:

What does “my ball” mean in slang?

Download Article

“My ball” is another way to say “my girl.” It’s a slang term used to refer to your girlfriend, wife, or partner. When people say this term, they mean it in an affectionate way, and it has a positive vibe. When a girl is your “ball,” she’s something you’re proud and protective of.
- Example: “Can’t wait for my ball to come over and hang out.”
- Example: “I’m still searching for my ball, but I’ll find her someday.”

Section 2 of 5:

Where did “my ball” come from?

Download Article

1
“My ball” was popularized by rapper and streamer DDG. DDG, aka Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr., is a popular rapper and online streamer.^{[1]
X
Research source} Recently, he started using the phrase “ball” to refer to his girlfriend or partner. He explained on a stream that the term is meant to be positive and endearing, not derogatory or objectifying.
- The idea is that, in sports, “your ball” is something you want to keep and protect, similar to a woman (according to DDG).
DDG explained that he took inspiration for the new slang term from NBA icon LeBron James. LeBron spawned a somewhat viral moment when, during a game, he asked, “It ain’t our ball?” Since then, it’s been parodied by creators like Jack Black, and it spun out into its own meme, which in turn inspired DDG’s “my ball” phrase.

Section 3 of 5:

Using “My Ball”

Download Article

Use “my ball” as a cute nickname for your partner. It’s fun, casual, and a little silly, which makes it a great pet name. Use it the same way you’d use similar slang terms like “bae” or “boo.” Just be sure your partner knows what it means first, otherwise they might mistake the term for something negative!
- Example: “You’re my ball, you know that?”
- Example: “Sorry dude, I can’t tonight. Me and my ball are going on a date.”

Section 4 of 5:

Is “my ball” problematic?

Download Article

DDG says it’s a positive term, but others take issue. Some users online have pointed out that comparing a woman to an object, or something to be kept or possessed, like a sports ball, isn’t a great look. But DDG insists that it’s a positive term, and during his stream, he explained that “the synonym is not b*tch. It’s saying, ‘my woman, my beautiful woman. BALL is an acronym for ‘beautful-a** little lady.’”
- Others say that it’s another symptom of young people’s reluctance to commit to a partner, calling them “my ball” instead of “girlfriend” or “partner.”

Section 5 of 5:

Similar Terms

Download Article

1
Wifey “Wifey” is a cute, endearing way to refer to your wife or girlfriend, even if they’re not actually your wife. The term was popularized by rappers like Kanye West and N.E.X.T., but has been used since at least 1786.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Example: “I love my wifey more than anything.”
- Example: “I’m his wifey, who are you?”
2
The ball is in your court. This is an idiom that means it’s someone else’s turn to make a move or take responsibility for something.^{[3]
X
Research source} It comes from the idea in basketball that someone else has control of the ball, so it’s “their court.”
- Example: “I’ve done all I can on this project. The ball is in your court.”
- Example: “I sent him a text asking about our plans, so the ball is in his court.”