Lick
Theft
Example
What a tremendous lick! How'd you get that out w/out anyone noticing?
Related Slang
BOLO | Be on the lookout |
Shady | Disreputable |
sus | Suspicious |
Gank | Steal |
Caught in 4K | Caught in the act |
WTT | Watching TikTok |
Accountant | A cover-up occupation |
Asl | As hell |
Hellmaxxing | Committing a series of sinful acts |
Beaning | Pouring baked beans on a building's doorstep |
On social media, lick is primarily a synonym for "theft." For example, an office worker might post "check out this lick" alongside a photo of supplies they stole from their office. You may also see lick used to mean "an easy mark" or "a (likely illegal) side hustle," but those meanings are less common than "theft."
What is the "devious lick" challenge on TikTok?
In September 2021, students began posting TikTok videos in which they filmed themselves showing off supplies they (supposedly) stole from their schools. The trend started when TikToker @jugg4elias posted a video of himself pulling a box of disposable face masks from his backpack, with the caption "a month into school absolutely devious lick. Should've brought a mask from home."
This video went viral, causing other school-age TikTokers to take up what became known as the devious lick challenge. The TikTokers filmed videos of themselves pulling ever bigger and more expensive stolen items out of their backpacks. For example, one TikToker posted a video of himself pulling stolen school signage out of his backpack.
On September 15, TikTok began taking action to remove devious lick-related content and redirect users who tried to access the content to TikTok's Community Guidelines page. TikTok also asked users to "Please be kind to your schools & teachers."