Hits Different

Definition:

When something uniquely resonates or provides a more meaningful experience compared to its usual impact, often due to specific circumstances or emotional context

Context:

The phrase is believed to have originated from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and gained mainstream popularity around 2019 through social media. It can be used both seriously & casually - from describing genuine emotional experiences (like a song hitting differently after a breakup) to mundane but satisfying moments (like eating a late-night snack).

Taylor Swift's 2022 bonus track "Hits Different" on her "Midnights" album further popularized the phrase in mainstream culture. Additionally, the phrase is now loosely associated with the "Pacha Edits" trend (an older 2016 meme format where Disney's Emperor's New Groove character Pacha makes an "OK" gesture saying "When the sun hits that ridge just right").

Example:

^{(all names & events in the
following scenario have been made
up)}

Zak: “Eating food at camp after a long day of hiking just hits different!”

Dayvid: “For real - honestly doesn’t even matter how fancy the food is.”