it's giving
/ɪts ˈɡɪvɪŋ/
Meaning
Originating in Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ ballroom culture, this phrase is used to describe the vibe, aesthetic, or energy of something. It can be used on its own to mean 'it's giving high quality/excellent vibes' or followed by a noun/adjective to describe a specific comparison (e.g., 'it's giving 90s fashion').
Examples
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With those boots and that coat, it's giving rockstar.
With those boots and that coat, it's giving rockstar.
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I love your makeup today, it's giving effortless beauty.
I love your makeup today, it's giving effortless beauty.
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The lighting in this restaurant is so dim, it's giving haunted house.
The lighting in this restaurant is so dim, it's giving haunted house.
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Look at this beach view; it's giving paradise.
Look at this beach view; it's giving paradise.
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She wore a neon green suit to the meeting; it's giving corporate rebel.
She wore a neon green suit to the meeting; it's giving corporate rebel.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The party is giving a good vibe.
✓ The party is giving good vibes.
The phrase 'it's giving' acts as an idiomatic structure. You don't usually say 'something is giving a [noun]' unless it is the exact slang formula: 'It's giving [aesthetic]'.
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✗ Your outfit gives.
✓ Your outfit is giving.
In slang, the progressive form 'is giving' is required. 'It gives' sounds like standard English where an object is missing.
Related Expressions
Practice
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That neon yellow dress is nice, but ___ construction worker.
💡 A slang phrase used to describe the vibe or aesthetic of something.
Show answer
it's giving
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With that dramatic music playing in the background, ___ horror movie.
💡 Use the slang phrase that compares the vibe of the situation to a horror movie.
Show answer
it's giving