A new phrase is circulating among teens and even younger children: “chungus.” While seemingly random, this term has resurfaced as the latest viral slang, potentially replacing the ubiquitous “six-seven” that dominated youth vernacular until recently. The rise of “chungus” highlights the rapid evolution of internet culture and how quickly memes and phrases gain traction.
The Meaning of ‘Chungus’
The term “chungus” has two primary interpretations. First, it’s used as an emphatic descriptor for one’s current situation, regardless of whether it’s positive or negative. As TikTok creator Coach Philly (@ahoopinhornet) explains, teens use it to express both love and frustration with their lives, stating “I hate my stupid chungus life, I love my stupid chungus life.”
The second, more abrasive meaning of “chungus” is used as a derogatory term for someone considered overweight or obese. In this context, it’s used as a direct insult, akin to calling someone “fat” or “chubby.”
Origins and Resurgence
The origin of “chungus” traces back to a 1941 Looney Tunes cartoon featuring Bugs Bunny mocking Elmer Fudd. The cartoon depicts Bugs Bunny as “the big chungus,” a reference to his size. The term circulated as a meme around 2018, according to Know Your Meme, but has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity.
The Looney Tunes official TikTok account even participated in the trend, posting a video with the caption “I love my chungus life,” further amplifying its reach. This demonstrates how established media brands now actively engage with and capitalize on viral internet culture.
Generational Divide and Gatekeeping
The sudden popularity of “chungus” has sparked a generational divide, with older users lamenting its appropriation by younger generations. Comments on Coach Philly’s explainer reveal a desire to “gatekeep” the term, with some claiming it “belonged” to them from its initial 2018 meme cycle.
This dynamic reflects a common pattern in internet culture: as memes age, they often become reclaimed by younger users, leading to frustration from those who initially popularized them.
The Great Meme Reset of 2026?
The shift from “six-seven” to “chungus” may signal a broader “meme reset” among youth culture. As trends evolve, new slang emerges, replacing the phrases that once dominated youth vernacular. The speed at which this happens underscores the ephemeral nature of internet trends.
The adoption of “chungus” by younger generations is inevitable, despite attempts to preserve it as an older meme. The cycle will likely continue, with new slang emerging to replace “chungus” in the years to come
