Explaining TikTok’s Trend: The ‘English or Spanish’ Meme

The “Do you speak English or Spanish?”meme has gained immense popularity on TikTok For You Pages across the platform in 2024, leaving many users puzzled about its actual significance.

This seemingly simple question, “English or Spanish?”, has taken on a unique connotation thanks to its newfound viral status.

Numerous videos related to this trend have garnered millions of likes and views on TikTok, igniting curiosity regarding the origin and meaning of this popular phrase.

‘English or Spanish’ TikTok Trend Explained

The ‘English or Spanish’ trend was initiated by TikToker Alfonso Pinpon, who has attracted over 1.1 million followers with his prank videos. He typically approaches men in a mall and asks, “Do you speak English or Spanish?”Following their response, he humorously adds, “Whoever moves first is gay.”

@alfonsopinpon_
Whoever moves first loses #men #jokes #couples

♬ original sound – alfonsopinpon

This unexpected twist usually leads the men involved to freeze in place, engaging in a humorous standoff with the content creator to demonstrate that they’re not gay.

The trend has since expanded beyond Alfonso’s original concept, with many TikTok users choosing to freeze automatically upon hearing “English or Spanish?”—just in case it’s a prank setup.

@kyleazajac
he moved 🙁 #englishorspanish #rollercoasters

♬ static – wzvrsl

While many find this trend amusing for showcasing the lengths to which straight individuals will go to affirm their sexuality, others express concerns about the potential homophobic implications, arguing it reflects men’s anxieties about being perceived as gay.

Despite these criticisms, the phrase “English or Spanish”has been widely memed and often exaggerated to absurd levels to illustrate the ridiculousness of the challenge.

Some TikTok users have adopted a different approach by choosing not to freeze at all. Others respond to the infamous question with flamboyant dance moves, showcasing their pride in embracing their identity and challenging normative expectations.

Popular streaming personality IShowSpeed also joined the trend, playfully asking football icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic “English or Spanish?”during his trip to Europe. Their unexpected collaboration quickly went viral, capturing the attention of fans who loved their comedic exchange featuring the meme.