took the L

Beginner 📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang

Definition

To experience a loss, defeat, failure, or embarrassing moment; to accept or acknowledge a setback.

Example Usage

He thought he could beat the champion, but he took the L in the first round.

Origin

'L' stands for 'loss' in gaming and sports culture, popularized in hip-hop and internet slang since the early 2010s.

Fun Fact

The opposite is 'took the W' (win). Often accompanied by the hand gesture of an 'L' shape on the forehead.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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