TikTok has become a breeding ground for internet slang, evolving so rapidly that keeping up can feel like a full-time job. Just when you think you’ve mastered terms like “rizz” or “cuffing season,” a new phrase emerges, taking over For You Pages and comment sections alike. The latest term to infiltrate the TikTok lexicon? “Munch.” But before you assume it has anything to do with food, think again. This trending slang, heavily associated with rising rap star Ice Spice, carries a decidedly more provocative meaning and is rapidly gaining traction across the platform.
To truly understand “munch,” we need to delve into the world of Ice Spice, the artist who inadvertently launched this slang into viral fame. Isis Gaston, known professionally as Ice Spice, is a 22-year-old rapper hailing from the Bronx, New York. Interestingly, her path to musical stardom wasn’t initially paved with beats and rhymes. Gaston initially attended the State University of New York at Purchase on a volleyball scholarship, showcasing her athletic prowess before transitioning to music.
READ MORE: The Ever-Evolving World of Internet Slang: From Gen Z to Beyond
Discovered by record label RiotUSA, Ice Spice began her musical journey, gaining initial traction on platforms like SoundCloud and TikTok. Her breakthrough moment arrived in 2022 with the release of her hit song, “Munch (Feelin’ U).” This track not only solidified her place in the music industry but also introduced the term “munch” to a wider audience. Her debut EP, released in early 2023, garnered positive reviews, further cementing her rising star status. Currently, Ice Spice is dominating TikTok trends, particularly due to her collaboration with PinkPantheress on the viral track “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2,” which has fueled nearly 2 million TikTok videos as of March 2023.
This surge in popularity has led fans to explore Ice Spice’s earlier work, including “Munch (Feelin’ U),” further amplifying the term’s visibility. The hashtag #munch on TikTok has exploded, amassing over 1.9 billion views and continuing to climb, demonstrating the slang’s pervasive reach within the TikTok community.
Unpacking the Meaning: What Exactly is a “Munch” on TikTok?
Fortunately, Ice Spice herself has provided clarity on the definition of “munch.” In a Genius interview from October 2022, she explained that a “munch” is essentially “an eater or somebody that’s, like, obsessed with you.” While “eater” might seem vague, the lyrics of “Munch (Feelin’ U)” offer further insight, hinting at a more explicit interpretation. In simpler terms, as Ice Spice clarified, a “munch” is “somebody that likes to eat.” Wink, wink.
In a more direct and less ambiguous explanation, Ice Spice succinctly defined “munch” as having two potential meanings: either a hater or someone who is intensely obsessed with you to the point of desiring to perform oral sex. Yes, the definition is as suggestive as it sounds.
So, there you have it. The mystery of “munch” is solved. As Ice Spice’s star continues to ascend, it’s highly likely we’ll see more slang terms originate from this influential artist. Until then, you can consider yourself officially in the know and perhaps even start incorporating “munch” into your own internet vocabulary.
