Netflix and chill

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“Netflix and chill” is a slang phrase that started as a simple plan to hang out and watch Netflix, but it’s commonly understood as a cue for sexual activity. The first known use was on January 21, 2009, in a Twitter post: “I’m about to log onto Netflix and chill for the rest of the night.” At first it just meant watching Netflix, not anything sexual.

As Netflix grew in popularity, the phrase began to take on a secret meaning around 2014–2015, especially in the Black Twitter community, and by 2015 it had become a widespread internet meme. Urban Dictionary defined it as code for two people going to each other’s homes and having sex or doing other sexual acts. The idea then spread beyond social media and caught the attention of news outlets.

The term plus its vibe for dating and casual hanging out led to many related things. A Tinder-style app was created in 2015 to help people organize Netflix and chill sessions. Universities even hosted Netflix and chill festivals. Netflix itself helped popularize the concept with a playful “Netflix and chill button” prototype at a maker event, which would dim lights, mute phones, and start the show.

The phrase also spilled into products and pop culture. People sold a line of condoms named Netflix and Chill, and other brands joined in with jokes or references. Pop culture followed: Ariana Grande released a holiday EP called Christmas & Chill, and a “Netflix & Chill Room” was created in New York for rent. There was even a study about how couples use Netflix, shared with a #DatingWithNetflix campaign. A tongue-in-cheek song named “Netflix and Chill” appeared online, and in 2020 Ben & Jerry’s launched a flavor called Netflix & Chilll’d.

Outside the U.S., the idea inspired other uses like the Danish radio show Stream and Chill (a nod to streaming and chill) and spoof campaigns such as “RBB and chill” in Germany. Overall, the phrase began as a straightforward invitation to watch Netflix but evolved into a widely recognized cultural meme with many offshoots and variations.