'You do you'

[CeibaTree]

Why are so many posters using this phrase lately? Is it from a film or TV show? Is it the new 'be kind' that some people mindlessly seem to be compelled to write on various threads?

I like it too! Less when it is used sarcastically, but there are plenty of times when posters have used it to mean “what person x chooses to do is not affecting you, so mind your own business”.

There’s another thread active at the minute where a poster is complaining that the other people on her council estate are lazy scroungers with no ambition, and a few people have said “you do you, and stop judging your neighbours for doing differently”.

Yeah, just noticed it on the drive and ambition thread. Unhelpful comment

Yup, that one, changy

I've seen it online quite a bit recently - the kind of thing I'd be surprised to hear in "real life" ...

But seeing this made me think - has "we are where we are" which I seemed to hear every day about a year ago just disappeared?

It's on an episode of Rick and Morty so that's where it may have come from.

This phrase is not new. Young people have been using it for the past decade. I’m guessing the Facebook generation (ie people born before 1995) have finally cottoned on and in the process ruined it as per usual

It’s really not that serious; you don’t need to overanalyse every piece of slang. Ironic how young people are the ones branded “snowflakes” 🤥

I don't understand what's so special about this expression that people have created threads for it. This is about the 3rd thread now on "You do you". You've really never come across it ever in your life? To be so fascinated by the use of it to start a thread about it, I assume you've not only heard it once but multiple times so from the way it's said, you really can't tell what it means? Or is this a faux wide-eyed way of trashing the expression and people who say it

I think posters use it on it's own to place mark often. But it means nothing , I've never heard it in RL (thank goodness) but it's used as a dismissive 'do what you like I don't give a shit' on the internet.

Another one is 'it is what it is'. So helpful, that.

@xiao3mao1

I don't understand what's so special about this expression that people have created threads for it. This is about the 3rd thread now on "You do you". You've really never come across it ever in your life? To be so fascinated by the use of it to start a thread about it, I assume you've not only heard it once but multiple times so from the way it's said, you really can't tell what it means? Or is this a faux wide-eyed way of trashing the expression and people who say it

Umm if your read my OP I didn't say I didn't understand it - I was asking why it's suddenly being used so much on mumsnet lately..

This has been about for ever. It’s hardly new

I like it, it basically means “crack on you weirdo” in a more polite way.

Maybe because some people liked it when they saw this expression, and start using it when they have a opportunity.
I don't use it myself, but it doesn't bother me when I see it.

@Bluntness100

This has been about for ever. It’s hardly new

I like it, it basically means “crack on you weirdo” in a more polite way.

I have honestly never seen it or heard it ( I have two young adult DSs plus work with loads of young people) until the last couple of months on here.

There is a book though

www.waterstones.com/book/you-do-you/sarah-knight/9781787470439

@Bluntness100

This has been about for ever. It’s hardly new

I like it, it basically means “crack on you weirdo” in a more polite way.

Yes I get what it means but it seems to have exploded in use on mumsnet lately. I work at a university and have school aged DC but I've only come across this phrase written here - and usually written in a pointless way that adds nothing to a thread! I do find the phrase annoying personally but my interest was the reason for the phrase's recent popularity here! But looks like @Sparklingbrook has answered that question! :)

I have used it when being pressed to do something the way someone else wanted me to (not the way that I wanted to): “You do you, and I’ll do me.” It worked perfectly and ended a long and fruitless wrangle (on their part), so it has its uses.

I don't take it as being rude. My interpretation of the phrase is that it's used when you have different opinions, and it's saying that's fine as it means something along the lines of "live and let live".

I always thought it just meant “if you like xyz then just you carry on - it’s none of my business!”, but I am old...

I never realised it implies @well, you do xyz if you like, but you’re wrong!”

@Fluffyandsilly

I don't take it as being rude. My interpretation of the phrase is that it's used when you have different opinions, and it's saying that's fine as it means something along the lines of "live and let live".

To be fair when I use it I’m being a bit rude, I think it’s the same for most people. As said, I use it when I really mean “crack on you weirdo” but I don’t want to actually say that. I’d seldom to never use it in a polite sense.

@Saz12

I always thought it just meant “if you like xyz then just you carry on - it’s none of my business!”, but I am old...

I never realised it implies @well, you do xyz if you like, but you’re wrong!”

That's how I always took it @Saz12 @Bluntness100 "crack on you weirdo" made me laugh

I can honestly say I've never heard anyone use the phrase, "You do you". It means nothing!

I always took it to mean "do what the fuck you like, I couldn't give a toss", which is what I'd prefer to say to someone.

I tend to think of it as quite supportive when there's been a pile on. Don't worry what PP are saying, OP- you do you.

I’ve only seen it it a yoga-y way where the teacher says I’m going to do this pose like this but you do you and do it how it works for your body. I always thought it was more supportive than derogatory!

No as annoying as If you know, you know.