5 Reasons Why "That's The I Like It" Became The Internet's Favorite Catchphrase

The phrase "That's The I Like It" has become an unmistakable, if slightly grammatically awkward, fixture in online conversations and trending soundbites across social media platforms in late 2025. It is a perfect example of how a simple, slightly broken English line can transcend its original context to become a global shorthand for enthusiastic approval or a declaration of personal preference.

Currently, as of December 12, 2025, the phrase is riding a dual-wave of popularity, simultaneously rooted in the high-energy world of K-Pop and the relatable humor of a hit Netflix series. This unique, cross-cultural adoption is precisely why the catchphrase has achieved such significant topical authority and staying power in the digital landscape.

The K-Pop Connection: HYUNA's "I'M NOT COOL" and Its Viral Lyric

One of the earliest and most impactful sources of the viral phrase "That's The I Like It" is the K-Pop world, specifically the 2021 hit single "I'M NOT COOL" by the iconic South Korean singer, rapper, and songwriter, Hyuna.

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HyunA: Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Kim Hyun-ah (김현아)
• Stage Name: HyunA (현아)
• Date of Birth: June 6, 1992
• Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
• Occupation: Singer, Rapper, Dancer, Songwriter, Model
• Debut: 2007 (as a member of Wonder Girls)
• Former Groups: Wonder Girls, 4Minute, Trouble Maker, Triple H
• Solo Debut: 2010 with "Change"
• Notable Hits: "Bubble Pop!," "Ice Cream," "Red," "Roll Deep," and the global phenomenon "Gangnam Style" (featured in the music video).
• Current Status (as of 2025): Continues to be one of K-Pop's most influential and boundary-pushing solo artists, known for her bold concepts and unique musical style.

The "I'M NOT COOL" Lyric Breakdown

The song "I'M NOT COOL," released in January 2021, features a highly energetic, repetitive chorus. The phrase "That's The I Like It" is a key component of the song's energy. While official English translations may vary slightly, the phonetic and rhythmic delivery of the line—often heard as a repeated chant of "That's the I like it, that's the I like it"—is what resonated with international audiences.

The lyric functions as a defiant declaration of self-acceptance and confidence, perfectly encapsulating the song's theme of not caring what others think. This sentiment made it a perfect soundbite for TikTok and Instagram Reels, where users employ the audio to showcase their own unapologetic moments or personal preferences, directly contributing to its status as a popular catchphrase.

The Netflix Phenomenon: "Survival Of The Thickest" and the Luca Quote

A second, more recent surge in the phrase's popularity stems from the 2023 Netflix comedy series, Survival of the Thickest, based on the book by comedian Michelle Buteau. The show, which follows Mavis Beaumont (Buteau) as she navigates life, love, and career after a sudden breakup, features a line that mirrors the K-Pop lyric's structure and enthusiasm.

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Mavis, Luca, and the Context of the Quote

The series features the character Luca, a charming love interest, whose relationship with Mavis is a central plot point. In a scene that quickly became a fan-favorite, a line is delivered—often cited in reviews and fan discussions as, "Luca's all about Mavis and that's the I like it"—that cemented the phrase's place in modern pop culture commentary.

This quote, whether delivered by Mavis, her friends, or a narrator/reviewer, uses the slightly incorrect grammar to emphasize a feeling of genuine, unreserved approval. It’s a simple, joyful stamp of validation. This context is highly searchable and contributed significantly to the phrase's current topical authority, especially in discussions about romantic relationships, body positivity, and self-love—core themes of the show.

Analyzing the Slang: Why "That's The I Like It" Went Viral

The phrase's success as an internet soundbite is not accidental; it is a textbook case of how unique linguistic features drive viral content. The grammatical structure is key to its memorability and widespread use as modern internet slang.

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1. The Power of "Broken English"

The phrase substitutes the standard English "That's what I like" or "That's how I like it" with "That's The I Like It." This slight deviation, often referred to as "broken English" or a non-native construction, makes the phrase stand out. It adds a layer of endearing authenticity and humor, making it feel less formal and more like a genuine, spontaneous expression of joy.

2. Rhythmic Repetition for Soundbites

Whether in the K-Pop song or the TV quote, the phrase is often repeated or delivered with a distinct rhythm. This makes it highly effective as a short, punchy audio clip—a perfect soundbite for platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where trending audio is the engine of content creation. The repetition creates an earworm effect, ensuring users remember and reuse the phrase.

3. Versatile Emotional Expression

The phrase is highly versatile in its emotional range. It can be used to express:

• Enthusiastic Approval: "My food arrived hot, that's the I like it."
• Unapologetic Self-Acceptance: "I’m wearing sweatpants to the store, that's the I like it."
• Relatable Content: Celebrating a simple pleasure or a small victory.

4. Cross-Cultural Appeal (K-Pop to Netflix)

The fact that the phrase has two high-profile, independent origins—one in K-Pop (a global music phenomenon) and one in a globally streamed Netflix show—gives it immense topical authority. It bridges two massive online communities, ensuring that the phrase is constantly being reintroduced to new audiences, thus maintaining its freshness and relevance in the ever-changing landscape of social media trends.

5. LSI Keywords and Search Intent

Search data shows that users are actively searching for the meaning and origin, using LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords such as "viral catchphrase," "internet slang meaning," and "meme origin." This curiosity-based search intent confirms that the phrase is a genuine cultural entity that people are trying to understand, not just a passing trend. Understanding its dual origin is essential for anyone wanting to master current internet lexicon.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of a Simple Phrase

The journey of "That's The I Like It" from a catchy K-Pop lyric and a charming Netflix quote to a ubiquitous piece of internet slang is a testament to the unpredictable nature of viral content. It is a phrase that perfectly captures the spirit of modern online communication: energetic, slightly irreverent, and globally accessible. By tracing its roots to both HyunA's powerful music and the heartwarming comedy of Survival of the Thickest, we gain a deeper appreciation for how a simple, unique linguistic construction can become the ultimate expression of personal satisfaction and approval in the digital age.