5 Ways The "They Say Shooters Shoot" Trend Became The Ultimate Gen Z Confidence Mantra

The phrase "They Say Shooters Shoot" has exploded into a cultural phenomenon, dominating social media feeds and becoming the unofficial anthem for modern-day confidence and risk-taking. As of late 2025, this viral lyric is much more than just a catchy line; it’s a full-blown movement encouraging millions of users to embrace audacity, whether they’re pursuing a long-shot crush or a seemingly impossible career goal. This deep dive uncovers the song's origin, the star power behind the lyric, and how this simple phrase has redefined the concept of "shooting your shot" for an entire generation.

The immediate and widespread popularity of the trend can be traced directly to a single, audacious moment in a rap song that name-dropped a major celebrity. The lyric’s fresh, direct nature resonated instantly with the Gen Z audience, who are constantly looking for new ways to express bold intentions. It serves as a modern-day battle cry, a reminder that success—in dating, business, or life—only comes to those brave enough to take the first step, regardless of the odds.

The Viral Origin: Jorjiana, GloRilla, and the *ILBB2* Shoutout

The entire "They Say Shooters Shoot" phenomenon originates from the single ILBB2 by rising artist Jorjiana, which features a verse from Memphis rapper GloRilla. The song, which was released in early 2025, quickly gained traction, but one specific line in GloRilla’s verse is what truly sent it into the stratosphere of viral fame.

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The explosive lyric is: "They say shooters shoot. Duke Dennis, what's up with you?"

Key Entities and Biographical Snapshot

• Jorjiana: The primary artist of the track ILBB2. Her collaboration with the established GloRilla was a catalyst for her breakout moment.
• GloRilla: An acclaimed rapper known for hits like "F.N.F. (Let's Go)" and "Tomorrow 2." Her inclusion on the track and her bold line cemented the song's virality. She is the one who delivers the famous line, proving the concept of "shooting your shot" in real-time.
• Duke Dennis: The specific person GloRilla "shot her shot" at. He is a highly popular Twitch star and YouTuber, famous for his gaming and lifestyle content, and a member of the collective AMP (Any Means Possible). The public, direct shoutout to a major streamer was a brilliant, meta-commentary on the trend itself.
• *ILBB2*: The single that contains the viral audio. The song title is a key entity in the trend’s history.

The sheer audacity of GloRilla's direct and public message to the Twitch star immediately captured the internet’s attention. Fans were "shook" by the move, leading to a massive spike in searches for the song and the creation of the viral lyric challenge. The phrase became a shorthand for making a bold, public declaration of interest, whether romantic or otherwise. This real-life example of a celebrity taking a risk became the ultimate endorsement for the trend.

Decoding the Phrase: What "They Say Shooters Shoot" Really Means in Gen Z Slang

To fully grasp the cultural weight of the phrase, one must understand the foundation of the slang it builds upon: "Shoot your shot."

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1. The Foundation: "Shoot Your Shot"

The term "shoot your shot" has roots in basketball terminology, where a player must attempt to score to have any chance of success. In modern Gen Z slang, it means to express your interest in someone, take a romantic risk, or pursue a goal without fear of rejection. It’s about being proactive and overcoming the fear of failure.

2. The Amplification: "They Say Shooters Shoot"

The viral lyric takes the original slang and transforms it into a motivational mantra. The "They Say" part adds a layer of collective wisdom and peer pressure—a public acknowledgment that this is the accepted doctrine of the confident. It implies: "If you consider yourself a person of action (a 'shooter'), then you must act ('shoot')." This rhetorical structure makes it a powerful, self-fulfilling prophecy for risk-taking and confidence.

On TikTok, the trend involves users lip-syncing to the lyric while pointing to a photo or video of their own "long-shot" crush, their dream university, a difficult career goal, or even their own reflection as a self-affirmation. The captions often replace "Duke Dennis" with their own highly ambitious target, making the trend universally relatable.

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The Cultural Impact: From TikTok Trend to a Confidence Mantra

The "They Say Shooters Shoot" trend is a perfect example of how a single piece of media can spawn a massive, positive cultural moment. Its impact extends far beyond just social media metrics, influencing how people approach relationship goals, career moves, and personal development.

3. Normalizing Audacity and Risk-Taking

The trend has created a safe, fun space for normalizing audacity. By using a viral sound, the act of "shooting your shot" becomes less intimidating and more of a playful, shared experience. The collective nature of the social media trends reduces the sting of potential rejection, turning the attempt itself into the victory.

4. The Power of Public Declaration

In many of the viral videos, the user’s crush or target is tagged or clearly visible. This public declaration is a core part of the trend's power. It forces accountability and adds a layer of high-stakes fun. This phenomenon taps into the broader streamer culture and meme economy, where public interactions between celebrities and fans are highly valued.

5. A Universal Motto for Success

While the origin is romantic, the phrase has been widely adopted in non-romantic contexts. It is now a universal motto for hustle culture and professional ambition. A student might use it before applying for a highly selective internship; an entrepreneur might use it before pitching to a major investor. The core message of taking action and overcoming inertia transcends the initial context, solidifying its place in contemporary digital lexicon.

The trend has generated millions of views and sparked countless conversations, driving significant engagement for both Jorjiana and GloRilla. It highlights the immense power of a well-placed, timely lyric in the era of viral marketing. The phrase "They Say Shooters Shoot" is not just a passing fad; it is a clear signal that the culture values confidence, directness, and the willingness to seize an opportunity, no matter how daunting the target may be.

Ultimately, the enduring appeal of the phrase lies in its simple, undeniable truth. Whether you are aiming for a relationship, a promotion, or a personal best, the fundamental principle remains the same: you cannot score if you do not take the shot. The Jorjiana-GloRilla collaboration has given the world a fresh, catchy reminder to always go for it.