I was watching a college football game, utterly confused. The camera panned to a sea of maroon-clad fans, and instead of the usual cheers, thousands of them were thrusting a clenched fist with a thumbs-up into the air. “Gig ’em, Aggies!” the commentator yelled. My first thought was a complete blank. Is it a fishing term? A secret code? Is the thumb a… weapon? If you’ve ever been baffled by this unique piece of American slang, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s solve this mystery together.
“Gig ’em” is a phrase and hand sign that means “Go for it!” or “Let’s go!” It’s an enthusiastic, proud expression of support and solidarity, primarily for Texas A&M University and its sports teams.
🧠 What Does “Gig ‘Em” Mean in Text and Social Media?
At its core, “Gig ’em” is a battle cry and a gesture of encouragement. While its roots are deeply tied to a specific university, its usage has evolved, especially in digital spaces where Aggies (Texas A&M students and alumni) connect.
The term “gig” refers to a spear-like tool used for hunting frogs or fish. So, literally, “gig ’em” means to spear something. But figuratively, it transformed into a challenge to “go get ’em” or to defeat an opponent, much like a hunter spears their prey. It’s a call to action filled with Aggie spirit and determination.
You might see it in a text like: “Big test today. Time to gig ’em! 👍”
In short: Gig ’em = “Go for it!” = A powerful expression of support and Aggie pride.
📱 Where Is “Gig ‘Em” Commonly Used?
You won’t typically hear “Gig ’em” in casual conversation outside of its specific context. Its use is niche but powerful within its community. Here’s where you’ll find it:
- Texas A&M University Campus: 🎓 It’s woven into the fabric of daily life in College Station, Texas.
- College Sporting Events: 🏈 Especially during Texas A&M football, basketball, and baseball games.
- Social Media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook): 📱 Used in posts, comments, and hashtags by fans and alumni to show support. Hashtags like
#GigEmand#Aggiesare very common. - Text Messaging & Group Chats: 💬 Among friends, family, and alumni networks to wish luck or express solidarity.
- Official University Communications: 🏛️ It’s used in emails, newsletters, and websites as a traditional sign-off.
Tone & Formality: “Gig ’em” is highly casual and deeply cultural. It is not used in formal business settings unless that business is directly related to Texas A&M. It’s a term of endearment, pride, and belonging within the Aggie network.
💬 Examples of “Gig ‘Em” in Conversation
Seeing “Gig ’em” in action is the best way to understand it. Here are some realistic examples from various contexts.
- Wishing Good Luck
- A: big presentation in 10 minutes 😬
- B: you’ve got this! gig ’em! 👍
- On Game Day
- A: Alright, everyone. Kickoff is in 5! Time to beat Bama!
- B: GIG ‘EM AGGIES! 🤘
- Celebrating a Personal Victory
- A: Just finished my last final! I’m done with the semester!
- B: Whoop! Gig ’em! So proud of you!
- As a Greeting or Sign-Off
- A: Hey! Great running into you at the store. Gig ’em!
- B: You too! Gig ’em!
- In a Social Media Post Caption
- Post: A photo of someone in a Texas A&M cap and gown at graduation.
- Caption: Class of 2024! It’s been a wild ride. Thanks and Gig ’em! #TAMU #AggieGrad
- Encouraging a Fellow Aggie
- A: This job interview is making me so nervous.
- B: Just remember your Aggie network has your back. Gig ’em, you’ll kill it!
🕓 When to Use and When Not to Use “Gig ‘Em”
Knowing the right context for “Gig ’em” is crucial to avoid awkwardness. It’s not a universal slang like “LOL” or “BRB.”
✅ When to Use “Gig ‘Em”
- When you are a student or alumnus of Texas A&M University.
- When you’re communicating with other Aggies.
- At any Texas A&M sporting event or university function.
- To express encouragement, congratulations, or school spirit within the Aggie community.
- On social media when using Aggie-related hashtags.
❌ When NOT to Use “Gig ‘Em”
- In formal business emails or professional correspondence (unless you know the recipient is an Aggie and the context is appropriate).
- During serious or somber conversations.
- When talking to supporters of rival schools (it might be seen as taunting).
- If you have no connection to Texas A&M; it can come across as inauthentic.
Contextual Usage Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works (or Doesn’t) |
|---|---|---|
| Text to an Aggie Friend | “Good luck on the exam! Gig ’em!” 👍 | Perfectly casual, culturally relevant, and encouraging. |
| Formal Work Email | “Please take your time to review the proposal.” | Professional and clear. “Gig ’em” would be far too informal and confusing. |
| Cheers at a Football Game | “GIG ‘EM AGGIES, LET’S GO!” 🤘 | The ideal environment—energetic, communal, and full of tradition. |
| Meeting a Stranger | “Nice to meet you. I’m from Texas.” | Standard and polite. Using “Gig ’em” here would be confusing and out of place. |
🔄 Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
“Gig ’em” is unique, but it fits into a family of school-specific and general slang used for encouragement. Here’s how it compares:
| Slang | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Gig ’em | “Go for it!” / Aggie Pride | Almost exclusively within the Texas A&M community. |
| Boomer Sooner! | University of Oklahoma cheer. | Among OU fans and at their sporting events. |
| Hook ’em Horns! 🤘 | University of Texas at Austin cheer. | Among UT fans and at their sporting events. (Note: The hand sign is different!) |
| Go for it! | A general encouragement to try something. | In any casual context, with anyone. |
| You got this! | A vote of confidence. | Very common, universal slang for support. |
| Let’s go! | Expressing excitement or readiness. | Universal for sports, parties, or starting an activity. |
❓ FAQs About “Gig ‘Em”
1. What is the “Gig ’em” hand sign?
The “Gig ’em” hand sign is a thumbs-up. It symbolizes the “gig” or spear used in frog hunting and was adopted in the 1930s as a symbol of Aggie spirit.
2. Can anyone use “Gig ’em”?
While anyone can technically say the words, it is a tradition deeply owned by the Texas A&M community. Using it without any connection to the university can be seen as strange or appropriative. It’s best used by those within the Aggie network.
3. Is “Gig ’em” only for sports?
No! While its most public use is at sporting events, Aggies use “Gig ’em” to wish luck for exams, congratulate on a new job, celebrate graduations, or simply as a greeting and sign-off among friends. It’s a versatile phrase for positive encouragement within the community.
4. What does “Whoop!” mean?
“Whoop!” is another key piece of Texas A&M slang, traditionally used by senior students (and later, alumni) as an expression of intense excitement or pride. It’s often heard after “Gig ’em!” and is a core part of Aggie vocabulary.
✨ Conclusion
So, what does “Gig ’em” mean? As we’ve discovered, it’s so much more than a simple slang term or a quirky hand sign. It’s a password, a handshake, and a beacon of identity for one of the most tight-knit university communities in the world. It encapsulates a spirit of determination, camaraderie, and pride that is instantly recognizable to those in the know.
The next time you see a thumbs-up from someone wearing maroon, or you spot #GigEm trending on a Saturday afternoon, you’ll understand the powerful sense of belonging and shared purpose behind those two simple syllables. Now that you’re in on the secret, you can appreciate the rich tradition it represents. Gig ’em, Ags
Charles Dickens was a legendary English novelist and social commentator known for his timeless storytelling and deep understanding of human nature. His works continue to inspire writers and readers worldwide, shaping literature, culture, and modern narrative craft.
