Tweens Keep Saying 'Clock It'—Here's What It Actually Means

Yahoo

4 days ago

Spoiler: It's not about telling time.
We were unpacking for a trip when my brother noticed that our grandmother packed three different pairs of sneakers in her suitcase. Without missing a beat, he said, "You act like you're going to work out, but we all know those shoes aren't leaving the bag." All of a sudden, our 12-year-old niece chimed in, raised her eyebrows, opened her palm, tapped her middle finger on her thumb, and said "Clock it."
Immediately I thought, *here we go*—another seemingly innocuous set of words that kids are using to get a quick laugh. And it helps that all the adults in the room look increasingly confused as more and more kids in our family erupted in giggles after hearing our niece.
So of course, I had to do some digging to help answer my burning questions. What exactly does "clock it" mean, why are kids making that hand motion, and why is all of this so funny?
What Does 'Clock It" Mean?
The term "clock it" is used to call out a hidden truth or expose someone's real motive in a playful or knowing way. Kids typically say it while tapping their middle or index finger against their thumb, often with a hint of sass.
It usually comes right after someone says a remark that cuts to the core of a situation or reveals an unspoken reality. For instance, if a teen says, "You only signed up for soccer so you can hang out with your crush after school," another might reply with "Clock it."
Some also say "Clock that tea" instead of "Clock It," which means the same thing. Many speculate that the phrase took off after Justin Bieber's viral encounter in with a restaurant worker, in which he said "You're not getting it. It's not clocking to you that I'm standing on business."
The interaction quickly became a meme, as fans noticed that Bieber used the slang term incorrectly. And while many poked fun at him, that didn't stop "clocking" from taking off. Then came Ace, the popular reality TV contestant from the latest season of Love Island, who created a viral song using the phrase with lyrics that even reference the finger gesture. The song took off, and teens began filming TikTok videos mouthing along while using the motion.
But that's not the only reason why "clock it" is so popular right now. In fact, the term and all its variations have been used for decades.
Where Did 'Clock It' Originate?
Spoiler: The term "clock it" did not come from teens. And it didn't originate on TikTok, either.
The phrase has roots in drag and ballroom culture, where "to clock" someone meant to notice something about them that might not be immediately obvious, especially something they were trying to hide. It was often used in a "read", which is a playful but cutting remark meant to expose the truth.
Over time, "clock it" evolved from a more confrontational or shady phrase to something younger people use in everyday conversations. Thanks to reality shows like Ru Paul's Drag Race, and its prominence on social platforms, it filtered into Gen Z and Gen Alpha's vocabulary. Now tweens use it as a way to call something out, usually something funny, accurate, or quietly savage.Why Do Kids Do That Hand Gesture with 'Clock It'?
The pinched fingers gesture (thumb and middle finger, usually tapping together towards someone) comes from drag and ballroom culture, where callouts were often paired with theatrical flair—snaps, poses, looks. On TikTok, Gen Z and Gen Alpha influencers brought that same performative energy and popularized it among tweens.Should Parents Be Concerned?
In most cases, "clock it" is nothing to worry about. Tweens use the term as a way to show off their observational skills or sense of humor. It often reflects growing social awareness and a desire to be seen as perceptive or clever—or to notice what others are simply too distracted to see.
That said, like any slang, tone and context matter. If your child is using "clock it" to make fun of someone or as a way to bully others, it's worth checking in. What feels like harmless teasing to one kid can land differently for another.
And because this phrase is rooted in drag and queer culture, where it was originally used to push back on societal norms, some LGBTQ+ teens may use "clock it" with a deeper understanding or reclaim it as part of their identity.
Ultimately, the tween urge to call things out and be in the know is nothing new. "Clock it" is just this generation's version of "duh" or "busted." So when your kid hits you with a perfectly timed "clock it" just take it as a sign that they're reading the room.
I just don't advise using it back on them. Trust me—I tried it with my niece and she clocked me. And it was not fun getting laughed at by a bunch of middle schoolers.
Read the original article on Parents
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